13 U.S.C. § 21 — Director of the Census; duties

(a) Appointment (1) In general The Bureau is headed by a Director of the Census. The President appoints the Director, with the advice and consent of the Senate, without regard to the Director's political affiliation. (2) Qualifications The Director must be appointed from among people who have shown they can manage large organizations, and who have experience collecting, analyzing, and using statistical data. (b) Term of Office (1) In general The Director's term of office is 5 years. Terms begin on January 1, 2012, and every fifth year after that. No one may serve more than two full terms as Director. (2) Vacancies Anyone appointed to fill a vacancy that happens before their predecessor's term ends serves only the rest of that term. The Director may keep serving after the term ends, until reappointed or until a successor is appointed — but never more than one year after the term ends. (3) Removal The President may remove the person serving as Director from office. The President must communicate, in writing, the reasons for that removal to both Houses of Congress, no later than 60 days before the removal. (4) Personnel actions Except as provided in paragraph (3), nothing in this subsection stops any other personnel action otherwise authorized by law from being taken with respect to the Director of the Census, other than removal. (c) Duties The Director performs whatever duties are imposed by law, by regulations, or by orders of the Secretary.