[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 122 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                         March 8, 2005.
Whereas the people of the United States have growing social, cultural, and 
        economic ties to the international community that present new challenges 
        as the United States seeks to communicate with and understand 
        international partners from different language and cultural backgrounds;
Whereas communities across the United States are welcoming many new neighbors, 
        friends, employees, and citizens from many countries throughout the 
        world;
Whereas increased language learning is a critical national interest and is 
        necessary to maintain the economic edge the United States has in the 
        worldwide marketplace;
Whereas developing a workforce that is skilled in languages and cultural 
        understanding is vital for conducting international commerce;
Whereas both the 2000 Cox Commission and the National Intelligence Council have 
        reported that a shortfall of experts in foreign languages, particularly 
        the languages of Asia and the Middle East, has seriously hampered 
        information gathering and analysis within the intelligence community of 
        the United States;
Whereas studying other languages has been shown to contribute to increased 
        cognitive skills, better academic performance, and a greater 
        understanding of others, while also providing life-long learning 
        opportunities;
Whereas language education in the 21st century includes a commitment to the 
        study of long sequences of world languages, beginning in early grades 
        and continuing throughout the academic career of an individual, in order 
        to develop the levels of proficiency needed to effectively communicate 
        with people from other cultures at home and abroad; and
Whereas the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, along with 
        its affiliate organizations, is urging the public to support increased 
        language education for students, which will expand the cultural and 
        literary horizons of adult learners and strengthen the position and 
        security of the United States throughout the world: Now, therefore, be 
        it
    Resolved,  That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that--
            (1) the study of languages contributes to the intellectual and 
        social development of a student and the economy and security of the 
        United States;
            (2) there should be a Year of Languages in the United States, during 
        which language study is promoted and expanded in elementary schools, 
        secondary schools, institutions of higher education, businesses, and 
        government programs; and
            (3) the President should issue a proclamation calling upon the 
        people of the United States to--
                    (A) encourage and support initiatives to promote and expand 
                the study of languages; and
                    (B) observe a Year of Languages with appropriate ceremonies, 
                programs, and other activities.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.