Making English the Official Language of the U.S. Government
The United States is comprised of individuals from diverse ethnic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds, and continues to benefit from this diversity. However, throughout the history of the United States , the common thread binding individuals of differing backgrounds has been the English language.
Recently I voted to support an amendment to the Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services appropriations bill. The amendment, offered by Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA), sought to require that all federal college financial aid forms be completed in English. These applications are for college financial aid. Clearly, a student seeking this type of aid should be able to fill the form out in English.
Currently, student financial aid applications are available in both English and Spanish. In order to qualify for aid, students must be US citizens or legal permanent residents. The amendment I supported would have prohibited the Department of Education from processing forms filled out in Spanish. However, the amendment failed by a vote of 191-233.
I believe that English should be recognized by the federal government as the official language for conducting business with the government. While English is recognized as America 's national language by virtue of tradition, it has never been established as our official language by federal law.
No law exists designating English as the official language. Therefore, the federal government is forced to use taxpayer money to print public documents, records, legislation, and regulations in a variety of different languages spoken in the United States . There are over 300 languages currently being spoken in the United States .
In order to uphold America 's tradition of speaking English and prevent the government from printing documents in over 300 languages, I am a cosponsor of the English Language Unity Act (HR 997). This legislation would make English the official language of the United States government.
The English Language Unity Act would also establish a uniform English language rule for the purposes of naturalization. It would require people to be able to read and generally understand the English language text of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the laws of the United States in order to become a U.S. citizen. Further, all naturalization ceremonies would be conducted in English.
Prior generations of immigrants came to the United States and were excited to learn and speak English. They recognized that to speak English was an important step towards realizing the American dream for which they migrated. Learning English is just as important for current immigrants looking to succeed in America .
The English Language Unity Act currently awaits consideration in the U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.
Making English the official language of the United States is an important act that must occur. I will continue to follow this issue closely and keep readers apprised of its progress.