25 Representatives Join As New Co-Sponsors of Official English Bill

H.R. 997 now has 83 bi-partisan co-sponsors from 32 states

Less than two weeks after the measure was introduced, 25 additional legislators have become co-sponsors of H.R. 997, The English Language Unity Act, bringing the total number of supporters to 83. The new co-sponsors include members from both sides of the aisle, different regions of the country, and a mix of long-time and new supporters of official English legislation.

The new co-sponsors of H.R. 997 added this week were: Rep. Rodney Alexander (LA), Rep. Jason Altmire (PA), Rep. Spencer Bachus (AL), Rep. Joe Barton (TX), Rep. John Boozman (AR), Rep. Charles Boustany, Jr. (LA), Rep. Brown-Waite (FL), Rep. Eric Cantor (VA), Rep. Geoff Davis (KY), Rep. J. Randy Forbes (VA), Rep. Elton Gallegly (CA), Rep. Ralph Hall (TX), Rep. Jim Jordan (OH), Rep. John Linder (GA), Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (MI), Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA), Rep. Jerry Moran (KS), Rep. Randy Neugebauer (TX), Rep. Thomas Petri (WI), Rep. Tom Price (GA), Rep. Denny Rehberg (MT), Rep. Aaron Schock (IL), Rep. Mark Souder (IN), Rep. Gene Taylor (MS), Rep. Joe Wilson (SC). These Representatives join Rep. Steve King and the 58 original co-sponsors of the bill. For a complete list of current co-sponsors, click here. 

The English Language Unity Act of 2009 would require the United States government to conduct most 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 commerce and criminal justice systems. 

Legislation to make English the official language of the United States has been among the most widely co-sponsored measures in each of the last two Congresses. Similar bills in both the 109th and 110th Congresses (also known as H.R. 997 and introduced by Rep. King) had more than 150 co-sponsors.