National Language Act of 2007 Would Make Engilish the Official Language of the US Gov't

Bill Smith, ARRA Editor: Rep. John Boozman (R-AR) has become a co-sponsor of H.R. 769, the National Language Act of 2007. The act would make English the official language of the U.S. Government. 54 representatives have co-sponsored HR 769. The U.S. has never had an official national language. It has been reported that "nearly 17 million Americans admit that they not do speak English very well, that the number of Americans who do not speak English has soared since the 1990 census, and that 18% of Americans do not speak English at home." Regardless of the language spoken at home, a common language for government is needed. A 2005 Zogby International poll showed that 79% of Americans support making English the official language of the United States, including more than two-thirds of Democrats and four-fifths of first- and second-generation Americans.

"Official English" doesn't mean "English only." ProEnglish.com details that "29 states with official English laws do not prohibit government agencies from using another languages when there is a compelling public interest, e.g., protecting public health and safety, assuring equality before the law, promoting tourism, teaching foreign languages, providing for national defense, and other legitimate, common sense needs. Having English as our official language simply means that for the government to act officially, it must communicate in English. It means the language of record is the English language, and that no one has a right to demand government services in any other language. Official English would also reinforce America's historic message to new immigrants - that we expect them to learn English as the first step in their assimilation -- and that we are committed to ensuring that all Americans share in the economic, social and political benefits of having a common language."

Last year, the Senate voted 63-34 to adopt an amendment to the Senate immigration bill to make English the "national language of the United States." In support, President Bush said, "The success of our country depends upon helping newcomers assimilate into our society and embrace our common identity as Americans." He called the English language "the key to unlocking the opportunity of America." House bill H.R. 997 was pending with 150 co-sponsors that would have made English the official language. However, the congressional session ended without English becoming the official language of the United States Government (USG).

With the new congressional session, the task begins again. HR 769 declares that:

• English shall be the official language of the USG. The USG shall conduct its official business in English, including publications, income tax forms, and informational materials.
• The USG shall preserve and enhance the role of English as the official language of the U.S. of America. Unless specifically stated in applicable law, no person has a right, entitlement, or claim to have the USG or any of its officials or representatives act, communicate, perform or provide services, or provide materials in any language other than English. If exceptions are made, that does not create a legal entitlement to additional services in that language or any language other than English. If any forms are issued by the Federal government in a language other than English (or such forms are completed in a language other than English), the English language version of the form is the sole authority for all legal purposes.
• This Act does not apply to the "use" of a language other than English: (1) for religious purposes; (2) for training in foreign languages for international communication; or (3) to programs in schools designed to encourage students to learn foreign languages.
• The Act does not prevent the USG from providing interpreters for persons over 62 years of age.
• The Act Repeals Bilingual Voting Requirements.
• All public ceremonies in which the oath of allegiance is administered pursuant to this section shall be conducted solely in the English language. English will be the language requirement for ceremonies for admission of new citizens.
• The Act and the amendments made by this Act shall not preempt any law of any State.

I call on Rep.s Marion Berry, Vic Snyder, and Mike Ross to co-sponsor HR 769! This act alone would save the United States taxpayers BILLIONS of dollars in recurring costs by eliminating printing government documents, laws, regulations, etc., in other languages.

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