[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 30 (Thursday, March 8, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E323]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    REPEAL OF EXECUTIVE ORDER 13166

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. BOB STUMP

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 8, 2001

  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, on August 11, 2000, former President Clinton 
signed Executive Order 13166, ``Improving Access to Services for 
Persons with Limited English Proficiency.''
  When signing Executive Order 13166, former President Clinton cited 
concerns that ``language barriers are preventing the federal government 
and recipients of federal financial assistance from effectively serving 
a large number of people in this country.'' His main concern was that 
those who do not speak English are not able to apply for and receive 
federal assistance.
  Mr. Speaker, Executive Order 13166 requires all federal agencies to 
examine the services they provide, as well as identify any need for 
services to those with limited English proficiency (LEP). The Executive 
Order requires federal agencies to develop and implement a system to 
provide those services in any language that LEP individuals may speak.
  Mr. Speaker, we are already beginning to witness the potential costs 
associated with the implementation of Executive Order 13166. On January 
10, 2001, the Department of Justice released a plan to implement 
Executive Order 13166. This Departmental plan not only creates new 
services that the federal goverment must provide, but the plan also 
imposes a remarkable number of new and costly requirements on every 
federal agency.
  In addition, the Department of Justice has announced plans to develop 
translations of documents into 30 languages. Now, the Department of 
Transportation believes that traffic signs in English are problematic. 
Mr. Speaker, we must stop this tremendous cost burden on the United 
States taxpayer.
  Today, I join several colleagues in introducing legislation to 
rescind Executive Order 13166. Rescinding this burdensome executive 
order will not only alleviate a costly mandate on federal agencies, but 
also protect our great nation from further language barriers.
  Implementing Executive Order 13166 will only reinforce language 
barriers in the United States. Rather than discourage people from 
leaming English and enjoying the benefits associated with English 
proficiency, the United States should encourage all individuals united 
by one government to join in a single language. Executive Order 13166 
does not encourage those seeking benefits from developing English 
proficiency.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the repeal of Executive 
Order 13166.

                          ____________________