Lawmakers Want English As US's Official Language

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and U.S. Rep. Steve King (R-IA-05) have reintroduced legislation in their respective chambers to make English the official language of the United States government. Under S. 503 and H.R. 997, the English Language Unity Act of 2011, the federal government will be required to conduct its official duties in English. The legislation also embraces the principle that all Americans should understand the laws of the United States in English, and requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to propose a policy for English language testing during the naturalization process. Both Inhofe and King have been champions of promoting the common use of the English language in the United States, having previously introduced this legislation in 2009.

"This legislation will provide much-needed commonality among United States citizens, regardless of heritage,” Inhofe said. “As a nation built by immigrants, it is important that we share one vision and one official language.”

"A common language is the most powerful unifying force known throughout history," King said. "We need to encourage assimilation of all legal immigrants in each generation. A nation divided by language cannot pull together as effectively as a people."