[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 27 (Wednesday, March 9, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E397]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           SUPPORTING THE DESIGNATION OF A YEAR OF LANGUAGES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 8, 2005

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be a supporter 
of H. Res. 122, a bill brought before the House of Representatives by 
my colleague Rush Holt. 2005 is The Year of Languages, which is a 
nationwide initiative to raise the American public's awareness 
regarding the importance of learning languages.
  The goals of the Year of Languages initiative are simple. We want to 
expand the public's understanding of the role played by languages in 
all aspects of people's lives, in society and in the future of human 
and international relations. This is also an opportunity to promote the 
importance of language learning and language proficiency, urging every 
American to commit to learning other languages.
  By focusing on such goals, we will build awareness of the diversity 
of languages that now play an integral part of everyday life in our 
country. Ultimately, this can promote the formation of a national task 
force to study and strengthen national policy on language learning and 
teaching and to make recommendations to strengthen U.S. policy.
  The Year of Languages is being marked by events at the national, 
regional and local levels. American Council on the Teaching of Foreign 
Languages (ACTFL) has organized a national media campaign and 
educational and promotional materials designed to boost interest among 
learners of all ages, including public service announcements for 
television, radio, and print media.
  Thank you, Merci, Gracias, Danka and Todah.

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