English Language Unity Act Adds Two New Supporters

Rep. Tim Murphy, Rep. Rob Bishop increase co-sponsor total to 130

Rep. Tim Murphy and Rep. Rob Bishop became the newest co-sponsors of H.R. 997 yesterday, lifting the number of supporters of legislation to make English the official language of the United States to 130. With the inclusion of lead sponsor Rep. Steve King, more than 30 percent of the members of the U.S. House of Representatives have signed on to the bill.

“I want to thank Rep. Murphy and Rep. Bishop for their recognition of the unifying bond of this nation – the English language,” said Mauro E. Mujica, Chairman of U.S. English, Inc. “In this season of giving and receiving, it is most important to note that our common language facilitates all of our holiday transactions and greetings.”

Rep. Bishop, who represents the First Congressional District of Utah, was also a co-sponsor of official English legislation in the 109th and 110th Congresses. Rep. Murphy, who is in his fourth term representing the 18th Congressional District of Pennsylvania, is a co-sponsor of official English legislation for the first time. They join a bi-partisan cast of representatives from 36 states in supporting H.R. 997.

The English Language Unity Act 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. H.R. 997 is pending in the House Education and Labor Committee and the House Judiciary Committee.