The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) requests approval for non-substantive change to NASSâs Confidentiality Pledge. In the summer of 2025, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) requested that NASS update its confidentiality pledge. This change to NASS Confidentiality Pledge would affect all surveys conducted under NASSâs 34 active Information Collections (ICs).
Current Language:
âYour responses will be kept confidential and any person who willfully discloses ANY identifiable information about you or your operation is subject to a jail term, a fine, or both.â
Proposed Revision:
âYour responses will be kept confidential and any person who willfully discloses ANY identifiable information about you or your operation without your consent is subject to a jail term, a fine, or both.â
US Code:
13 USC 41
Name of Law: Collection and Publication of Cotton Data
US Code:
7 USC 3601.1
Name of Law: Freedom of Information Act
US Code:
13 USC 42
Name of Law: Contents of Reports for Cotton Ginnings
US Code:
13 USC 43
Name of Law: Records and Reports for Cotton Ginnings
US Code:
13 USC 45
Name of Law: Simultaneous Publication of Cotton Reports
US Code:
7 USC 2276
Name of Law: Confidentiality of Information
US Code:
18 USC 1905
Name of Law: Disclosure of Confidential Inormation
PL:
Pub.L. 115 - 435 301
Name of Law: CIPSEA - Confidentiality of Data
US Code:
7 USC 2204(a)
Name of Law: Duties of Secretary
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.