Bill would make English official language of U.S. government

Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla.

/ AP

Two conservative Republican lawmakers, Congressman Steve King (R-Iowa) and Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), introduced the English Language Unity Act of 2011 on Friday, a bill that requires that all official United States government functions be conducted in English.

"A common language is the most powerful unifying force known throughout history," King said in a release. "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."

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

U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa.

/ AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall

The bill would also establish a uniform language requirement for naturalization and oblige federal government officials to encourage people to learn English.

In response to the measure, Democratic Rep. Jose Serrano of New York addressed reporters in Spanish Friday, asking them, "como esta?" (That's Spanish for "how are you?") He said the bill reflects a non-issue that nonetheless comes up every once in a while.

Serrano added that while it's natural for grandparents speak Spanish, second generations are completely bilingual. With the third generation, he said, the grandmother is always complaining about the kids' Spanish and why they don't play soccer.

According to the advocacy group U.S. English, Inc., more than 700 members of Congress have co-sponsored or voted for measures on making English the official U.S. government language dating back to 1981. The English Language Unity Act attracted 140 co-sponsors when introduced in the last Congress.

King, a leading conservative voice on immigration issues, has also introduced a bill to end the practice of birthright citizenship.

[jpinsatx]

Just Common Sense... All official government functions SHOULD be conducted in English. Additionally, STOP the Bilingual Education nonsense. Why should educators be required to first teach children to speak, read and wright in a foreign language... so they can then teach them to speak, read and wright in English? In most cases, these are not children of immigrants. These are children of American Citizens, third, forth, fifth... generation. Language duplication is a tremendous, expensive and totally unnecessary burden on taxpayers and the educational system. Stop the Nonsense!

[UsernameAlreadyinUse17]

Why don't you learn to read and "wright" in English?

[musicandpoetry332000]

There are many Americans who speak the english language who can no longer get jobs in an already bad economy because they are not bi-lingual. We need to take a stand against this. We are letting illegal aliens take over this country. English should be made the primary language and those that cannot speak it need to learn or leave. The principles that this country have been built on continue to erode. Why should we give preferential treatment and change our native language standards for foreigners,this does not make any sense. I have no problem with people from another country living here as long as they are here legally,and learn the language of our country. No one in America should have to be bi-lingual to get a job. This is not Columbia or Mexico and I would not relocate to another country without learning the cultural and language. This is why we need to make English the primary language of our country.

[talkgirl11]

All this fighting about lanugages is sad. I like spending time on TermWiki.com so I can better learn how to communicate with others. I am American and native language is English. As we learn to understand each other better, the less this issue will be so divisive.

[lawdlawdlawd]

and anyone who thinks that Latino immigrants don't want to learn English needs to watch/listen to the many commercials on Spanish-language media advertising English courses. Or look on the side of a city bus, for goodness sake!

[leftfreedomring]

Stupid Republicans never change. More useless legislation for the fringe.
WHER ARE THE JOBS GOP.
Useless.

[JV1970]

They're in the same place as the jobs that Obama promised us three years ago! Nowhere!

[gep1955]

If you moved to Spain, France, Germany, Bulgaria, Russia or Senagal would you really expect all the tax paying citizens of those countries to shell out the exra costs to make every aspect of living there easier for you if you don't speak the language? If you believe that, you're not living in reality. America is $14,000 billion in debt. We start cutting costs everywhere now.

[lawdlawdlawd]

Let's start with the fact that most of the countries on your list actually have several official languages, gep1955. The project to impose one official language in Spain was enthusiastically pursued by the fascists. When the economy crashed in Spain, the fascists took over and tried to impose one language and one culture. Oh, and they set up concentration camps too. Learn your history before you go using examples that only undermine your point.

[Not_One_of_Your_Sheeple]

100% Agree. I think it rocks if people speak more than one language and I hope those that come here don't loose their language.. but the official language here should be english and if anyione is embarrased by that it really baffels me why they would be.

Interesting bit of CBS slant in this article: we are told that the two Republicans are "conservative Republicans" but Democratic Rep. Jose Serrano is not introduced as "the liberal Democratic Rep. Jose Serrano" - which he clearly is if you look at his voting record. The implication is that the Republicans have an agenda but the Democrats does not.

[ksholm]

Bush asked 'is our children learning?'We can all speak GOP. Big guvment bad. Newkler good. Big bizniss good. Africa is a nation. This is from people born here.

[WisconsinSlim]

Could we also make Kellogg's Corn Flakes the official cereal? It's about as relevant as what these guys are trying to do. When will the conservative Republicans propose a law requiring that women carry parasols and citizens address them as "ma'am?" The truth is, the Republican party that existed a few years ago was a good party, but these nut cases that are claiming to represent Republicans now seem to believe the earth is flat.

[dblaess]

what language do you propose as the official language of u.s. otherwise we become like africa, a number of people with a number of countries.

[Rodeo_Joe]

And where would this nation be today without the Navajo code-talkers?
We haven't needed such a law in the last 200 years - why now?

This legislation is transparently RACIST.
Most supporters are transparent RACIST.
Polyester KKK propaganda, that's all it is.

[JV1970]

MarineVet64 Where are the jobs Obama and the Democrats promised? They certainly aren't here where I live!

[dblaess]

when you have nothing to argue with about a bill for language used in official government business go to "racist". Not a good way to enter into a conversation.