WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator JD Vance (R-OH) will introduce the English Language Unity Act today. This legislation would establish English as the official language of the United States, require government functions to be conducted in English, and adjust requirements for naturalization by introducing a universal English language testing standard. The bill is co-sponsored by Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND).
“This commonsense legislation recognizes an inherent truth: English is the language of this country. That is why the overwhelming majority of the American people support this proposal,” said Senator Vance. “The English language has been a cornerstone of American culture for over 250 years. It is far past time for Congress to codify its place into law, which is exactly what this bill does.”
Text of the bill can be read here.
For Background:
- In May of last year, a Rasmussen poll found that 78% of American adults agreed English should be the official language of the United States.
- With few exceptions, the vast majority of nations legally recognize national language, including Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Brazil, and Denmark.
- English is already the official language of 31 states and all U.S. territories.
- The English Language Unity Act would apply to all laws, public proceedings, regulations, publications, orders, actions, programs and policies.
- The English Language Unity Act would not apply to the teaching of languages, requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, communication necessary for national security, international relations, trade, tourism or commerce, communication relating to public health and safety, the Census, actions that protect the rights of victims of crimes or criminal defendants or terms of art or phrases from languages other than English.
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