Previous censuses have been criticized as being too costly and having too high an undercount. The Bureau of the Census has proposed using sampling and statistical methods of estimation to produce a "one-number census" of the U.S. population that would be used for the reapportionment of Congress and for redistricting congressional seats within states. In addition, a number of other innovations are being proposed. These methods are being proposed as partial solutions to the cost and accuracy problems of past censuses. The proposals have, however, provoked a vigorous negative response from many in Congress, and they are currently being challenged in the courts. This talk will discuss the challenges and controversies facing the census of population and housing to be conducted in the year 2000 and assess the difficulties in carrying out the proposed innovations.