[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 1 (Wednesday, January 4, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E13]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      ENGLISH IS OUR COMMON THREAD

                                 ______


                           HON. BILL EMERSON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 4, 1995
  Mr. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, many times before I have taken to the floor 
to speak about the importance of the English language. For decades, 
English has been the de facto language of the United States. In recent 
years, 19 States have designated English as their official language. 
Support for these efforts has been overwhelming. I strongly believe 
that English should be the official language of the United States 
Government. I have been a persistent sponsor of such legislation, and I 
will again today introduce the Language of Government Act.
  At the same time, however, I want to recognize the important 
contributions of other languages through a sense-of-the-Congress 
resolution. In an increasingly global world, foreign languages are key 
to international communication. I strongly encourage those who already 
speak English to learn foreign languages.
  As a nation of immigrants, America is comprised of people of all 
races, nationalities, and languages. These differences make our Nation 
the wonderful place it is. While being different, all of these people 
can find a common means of communication in the English language. 
English is the common thread that connects every citizen in our great 
Nation.


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