[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 23 (Thursday, March 3, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E355]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   ENGLISH LANGUAGE UNITY ACT OF 2005

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE KING

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 3, 2005

  Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I have introduced legislation to make 
English the official language of the United States Government. The 
English language is the carrier of liberty and freedom throughout 
history and the world. For centuries, our common tongue, English, has 
been the uniting force in this great nation, knocking down ethnic and 
religious barriers to make us truly one nation. Today, as we rally for 
unity and patriotism a common means of communication propels us toward 
our goal.
  The English Language Unity Act declares English the language of the 
United States. Like its predecessors, it does not affect the teaching 
and study of other languages. It does not deter the use of other 
languages in the home, community, church, or elsewhere. The Act 
includes commonsense exceptions to the policy, for international 
relations, national security, teaching of languages, and preservation 
of Native Alaskan or Native American languages.
  A common language has enabled generations of Americans to realize the 
dream of American opportunity and freedom. Studies continue to prove 
those who know English get better jobs, earn more money and receive 
better health care than those who cannot speak the language. As a 
result, an emphasis on English decreases reliance on the federal 
government.
  The need for official English appears in our newspapers every day--
injuries in the workplace, mistranslations at hospitals, people who are 
unable to support themselves and their families--all because they could 
not speak English.
  Recognizing a common language is neither racist nor exclusionary. It 
is a principle enacted by 177 countries worldwide to allow for the 
transmission of ideas and customs and to allow people of multiple 
cultures to come together. This bill does not inhibit people from 
speaking other languages, nor does it attempt to place any limits on 
culture, religion or customs.
  The Unity Act gives newcomers an opportunity to succeed in the United 
States. It bonds the newcomer with his fellow Americans, allowing both 
to reach for the highest rung on the economic ladder and provide for a 
family.
  According to the U.S. Department of Education, those with limited 
English proficiency are less likely to be employed, less likely to be 
employed continuously, tend to work in the least desirable sectors and 
earn less than those who speak English. Annual earnings by limited 
English proficient adults were approximately half of the earnings of 
the total population surveyed.
  Few doubt this reality. In a 1995 poll by the Luntz Research firm, 
more than 80 percent of immigrants supported making English the 
official language of the United States. They are joined by 86 percent 
of all Americans who agree with English as the official language of the 
United States.
  Similar English legislation in the 104th Congress (H.R. 123) drew 197 
bipartisan House cosponsors and won a bipartisan vote on August 1, 
1996. That spirited effort, led by our late colleague Bill Emerson, is 
unfinished business that we must attend to for the benefit of all 
Americans.
  I urge my colleagues to co-sponsor The English Language Unity Act of 
2005 in the 109th Congress so that we can ensure that all Americans 
have the opportunity to attain the American dream.




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