[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 4 (Monday, January 9, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S653]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. SHELBY:
  S. 175. A bill to amend title 4, United States Code, to declare 
English as the official language of the Government of the United 
States; to the Committee on Governmental Affairs.


     legislation to make english the official language of the u.s. 
                               government

 Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, today I am introducing legislation 
to designate English as the official language of the U.S. Government.
  Last year, tax forms were printed in a language other than English 
for the first time in the 131 year history of the IRS. In addition, the 
Immigration and Naturalization Service is now conducting non-English 
language citizenship ceremonies. I find these policies very disturbing. 
The Government is sending a clear message that to live in the United 
States, one must not learn the English language.
  I believe such Government policies establish a dangerous and 
expensive precedent. The idea that the U.S. Government can accommodate 
better than 300 foreign languages now found in America, is absurd.
  In order to assimilate the various cultures and ethnic groups that 
comprise this great land, we must use English. Of all the different 
homelands and dialects introduced to the United States in the 18th 
century, the language the immigrants choose was English. They did not 
choose French, German, or Spanish.
  A common, established language allows individuals to engage in 
conversation, commerce and of course political discussion. A common 
language serves as a bridge unifying a community by opening the lines 
of communication. In this diverse land of ours, English is the common 
line of communication we share. English is what allows us to teach, 
learn about and appreciate one another. It is therefore important that 
the Federal Government formally recognize English as the language of 
Government and pursue efforts to help new citizens assimilate and learn 
the English language.
  The inability to communicate fosters frustration and resentment. By 
encouraging people to communicate in a common language, we actually 
help them progress in society. A common language allows individuals to 
take advantage of the social and economic opportunities America has to 
offer. The ability to maintain a law abiding citizenry is hindered and 
the ability to offer true representation is certainly hampered if 
individuals cannot communicate their opinions.
  There might be concerns that this legislation will deprive non-
English speaking individuals of certain rights or services. Let me 
assure you it will not. This legislation does not deny individuals 
their right to use native languages in their private lives nor does it 
deny critical services. This bill only affects the official functions 
of the U.S. Government. If anything, this legislation reflects the need 
to provide services that help non-English speaking people learn English 
and assimilate to America. Participatory democracy in this country 
simply requires people learn the English language.
  I strongly urge my colleagues to join in this effort to establish a 
national language policy for the U.S. Government by cosponsoring the 
Language of Government Act of 1995.
                                 ______