EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
Washington, D.C. 20503
For Immediate Release Contact: May 22, 1997 Lawrence J. Haas (202) 395-7254ADMINISTRATION INTRODUCES ONE-STOP FEDERAL STATISTICS WEB SITE Official Federal statistics are now much easier and faster to find, thanks to a new World Wide Web site unveiled today by the Clinton Administration. The site -- FedStats (www.fedstats.gov) -- uses the Internet's powerful link and search capabilities to navigate publicly available statistics from over 70 Federal agencies. Now, Internet users can find the information they need, without having to know in advance which agency, or agencies, produce the data. "FedStats takes advantage of Internet technology to make Federal statistics more accessible," said Sally Katzen, administrator of the Office of Management and Budget's Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. "Today, a high school student with a modem in Boise, Idaho, has better access to Federal statistics than top officials in Washington had five years ago." Katzen stressed that FedStats should not raise concerns about the confidentiality of personal information. "No data on individuals can be accessed through FedStats," she said. "The statistics are summaries and have no names or addresses attached to them." As part of the Administration's efforts to achieve improved customer service and greater efficiency throughout the Federal government, FedStats will benefit both Federal agencies and the public in reducing the amount of time and effort necessary to locate data. The site -- the product of a multi-agency development effort led by the Interagency Council on Statistical Policy -- was unveiled roughly a year after the introduction of the widely acclaimed Federal Statistics Briefing Rooms, which offer on-line access to high-profile Federal economic and social statistics. FedStats' major features include: - An "A to Z" index that provides direct access to detailed data listings in 275 categories; - A keyword search capability that enables users to search Web sites linked to FedStats; - "Fast Facts" links, which allow users to visit either the Federal Statistics Briefing Rooms or an on-line version of the most frequently requested tables from the Statistical Abstract of the United States; - An "Agencies" heading that allows users to link to the Web sites of Federal statistical agencies, or select from a menu of predetermined key words for those agencies; - A "Programs" heading that offers 14 groups of agency data program summaries, in areas ranging from agriculture to transportation; - A "Regional Statistics" heading that offers data that is broken down into geographic areas -- frequently at State or county levels; and - Links to agency contacts, press releases, and government statistical agencies outside the United States. An on-line form permits users to comment on the site and make suggestions.
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