Official English Legislation Gets 150th Co-Sponsor in House

Support for H.R. 997, the English Language Unity Act, continues to grow

With the addition of Rep. Mike Simpson, Congressional support for H.R. 997, the English Language Unity Act passed another milestone earlier this week – co-sponsorships from 150 House members. The measure, which would make English the official language of the United States, was introduced by Rep. Steve King (IA) earlier in the 109th Congress. The bill has since garnered bi-partisan support from members representing 37 states.

“Americans may be closely divided on how best to deal with the immigration issue, but they are nearly unanimous in their belief that English is the uniting factor in our diverse nation,” said Mauro E. Mujica, Chairman of the Board of U.S. English, Inc. “Though immigration has changed over the years, the key to assimilation and becoming an American has not varied. From the town halls to the halls of Congress, we understand the importance of a common language for personal and societal benefit.”

With 150 co-sponsors, H.R. 997 is one the most widely supported bills in the 109th Congress, as well as the most co-sponsored official English legislation since H.R. 123 had 166 co-sponsors in the 105th Congress. Though a recent Zogby poll found that nearly 80 percent of Americans support the current bill, H.R. 997 is currently pending in the House Judiciary Committee as well as the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Recognizing that English proficiency is necessary for integration into the American mainstream, The English Language Unity Act of 2005 would require the United States government to conduct official business in English. Specifically, H.R. 997 would limit routine government operations to English, while giving government agencies common sense flexibility to protect public health and safety, national security, and to provide for the needs of the commerce and justice systems.

“As the discussion regarding immigration continues, we cannot ignore the equally important issue of assimilation,” continued Mujica. “We look forward to working with Rep. King, Majority Leader Boehner and our allies in Congress toward making sure this bill gets the consideration it deserves. Let us do what is best for immigrants and what is best for America by passing H.R. 997 without further delay.”

U.S. English, Inc. is the nation's oldest and largest non-partisan citizens' action group dedicated to preserving the unifying role of the English language in the United States. Founded in 1983 by the late Sen. S.I. Hayakawa of California, U.S. English, Inc. (www.usenglish.org) now has more than 1.8 million members.