Congressional Watch
106th Congress of the United States of America
CONGRESSIONAL BILL's : HJ RES 21, HR 123, & HR 50
Establishing the English Language as the Official language of the
United States
This page also includes the important congressional resolution from
Representative Serrano, which is a very firm and correct constitutional
rebuttal to the harmful congressional bill's being offered by the conservative
radical right in Congress.
Here are a series of bill's, which is conservative radical right nationalist legislation aimed at creating a constitutional amendment, and the appropriate laws with which to dismantle bilingual VOTING and EDUCATION, by declaring English as the official language of the United States. These bills are another very good set of examples, of what the conservative radical right really thinks about other cultures and minorities living in this Nation. Basically, if they don't speak English and they were not born here, then they don't belong here. These are very narrow minded bill's in nature, and are very clear examples of the bigotry, and consequently the hate, that the conservative radical right feels for those Americans who don't speak or read English, or who the conservative radical right otherwise deems and considers to be unsuitable Americans.
One can only assume that most of these same individuals, within the conservative radical right movement, probably have forgotten about where their families immigrated to America from, and that for many of these individuals families, it took almost a generation or more for these families and the individuals in them, to overcome the language barrier and properly learn English. It seems that Congress persons like Representative Barr, Manzullo, Gutknecht, Tancredo, Goode, Chenoweth, and others of the conservative radical right in Congress, have conveniently forgotten about the roots and facts of their families immigration into the United States, families that could or could not have had English speaking members. It seems that the only other possibly plausible and reasonable set of answers, as to why another American would create such a set of bills aimed at insulting other classes and cultures of people in America, is either forgetfulness or bigotry [hate]; Oops, sorry, almost forgot stupidity! So what is it?
The author of this article hasn't forgotten his families roots; they didn't immigrate to the United States, they were already here and were part of those that helped found and build up the United States of America - not tear it down, like the conservative radical right and others like them are doing to do this Nation! Note: The author's family were Irish Celts living in Wales, and were taken by force and shipped like cattle to the Maryland Colonies by rich British Lords, 1636, to serve as part of the "white" slave labor force in the New World. The family survived that harsh ordeal, and later participated in the American Revolutionary cause.
This bill is nothing but a slap in the face and an insult to millions of Americans whose culture and traditions are based on other languages, other than English. What about the culture and traditions of the Spanish Americans who reside in the Southwest and Western parts of the United States, and consider Spanish as their first language? In some of these parts of the United States, Spanish is the dominant language and has been since a time before the first Colonies were established on the East Coast of the United States. The Native American culture, and the widely varying dialects of the language they speak, has been here on this continent far longer than that of the English language. Also, over the past 200 years many other cultures, speaking many different languages, have come to this great Nation, a good many of the individuals from those cultures speaking languages other than English. It seems, that America is as diverse in languages, as it is in the different cultures that make up its heart and soul.
Before we go to those bills, lets first look at an honest and American answer to those very offending bills being offered by the conservative radical right. This a resolution that has been introduced into the House by Representative Serrano, and favors the constitutional and correct American way of thinking.
Entitled the `English Plus Resolution'. (Introduced in the House)
HCON 4 IH
Entitled the `English Plus Resolution'.
January 6, 1999
Mr. SERRANO submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred
to the Committee on Education and the Workforce
Entitled the `English Plus Resolution'.
Whereas English is the language of the United States, and all members of the society recognize the importance of English to national life and individual accomplishment;
Whereas many residents of the United States speak native languages other than English , including many languages indigenous to this country, and these linguistic resources should be conserved and developed;
Whereas this Nation was founded on a commitment to democratic principles, and not on racial, ethnic, or religious homogeneity, and has drawn strength from a diversity of languages and cultures and from a respect for individual liberties;
Whereas multilingualism, or the ability to speak languages in addition to English , is a tremendous resource to the United States because such ability enhances American competitiveness in global markets by permitting improved communication and cross-cultural understanding between producers and suppliers, vendors and clients, and retailers and consumers;
Whereas multilingualism improves United States diplomatic efforts by fostering enhanced communication and greater understanding between nations;
Whereas multilingualism has historically been an essential element of national security, including the use of Native American languages in the development of coded communications during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War;
Whereas multilingualism promotes greater cross-cultural understanding between different racial and ethnic groups in the United States;
Whereas there is no threat to the status of English in the United States, a language that is spoken by 94 percent of United States residents, according to the 1990 United States Census, and there is no need to designate any official United States language or to adopt similar restrictionist legislation;
Whereas `English -only' measures, or proposals to designate English as the sole official language of the United States, would violate traditions of cultural pluralism, divide communities along ethnic lines, jeopardize the provision of law enforcement, public health, education, and other vital services to those whose English is limited, impair government efficiency, and undercut the national interest by hindering the development of language skills needed to enhance international competitiveness and conduct diplomacy; and
Whereas such `English -only' measures would represent an unwarranted Federal regulation of self-expression, abrogate constitutional rights to freedom of expression and equal protection of the laws, violate international human rights treaties to which the United States is a signatory, and contradict the spirit of the 1923 Supreme Court case Meyer v. Nebraska, wherein the Court declared that `The protection of the Constitution extends to all; to those who speak other languages as well as to those born with English on the tongue': Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That the United States Government should pursue policies that--
(1) encourage all residents of this country to become fully proficient in English by expanding educational opportunities and access to information technologies;
(2) conserve and develop the Nation's linguistic resources by encouraging all residents of this country to learn or maintain skills in languages other than English ;
(3) assist Native Americans, Native Alaskans, Native Hawaiians, and other peoples indigenous to the United States, in their efforts to prevent the extinction of their languages and cultures;
(4) continue to provide services in languages other than English as needed to facilitate access to essential functions of government, promote public health and safety, ensure due process, promote equal educational opportunity, and protect fundamental rights; and
(5) recognize the importance of multilingualism to vital American interests and individual rights, and oppose `English -only' measures and other restrictionist language measures.
Now, that is what you can really call showing pride in your country, and the different cultures that make it up. This resolution is made up of the type of stuff that we should be hearing more of from those in Congress. This resolution is in support and defense of the Constitution and the Republican Form of Government, and therefore F.A.C.T.S. says a big YES to the 'English Plus Resolution' being offered by Representative Serrano.
On to those congressional bills, mentioned at the start of this page, which threaten the viability of the Constitution and the Republican Form of Government, but first a word from the United States Constitution.
Article III, Section 3, of the United States Constitution was written with the explicit intent, that both the Constitution and the peoples government were to be safely guarded from all threats, whether those threats came from within the government or outside of government. No where in the Constitution is the excuse of error because of a radical conservative and/or religious belief, exempted from being a source of harm to the United States Constitution. No where in the Constitution is it mentioned that members of Congress are exempted from their constitutional duty to follow the explicit directions given to them by the United States Constitution. No where in the Constitution are members of Congress exempted from being charged with Treason and/or Conspiracy to Commit Treason, for their failure to follow the explicit directions given to them by the United States Constitution. No where in the Constitution are members of Congress exempted from their duty to fully support [follow and preserve] and defend the Constitution of the United States of America.
F.A.C.T.S. says NO to the following bill's proposing legislation and an amendment to the Constitution of the United States. Bill's which will be used to establish English as the official language of the United States. These bill's fail to fall within any type of proper constitutional guidelines with which to properly support and defend the Constitution, and the Republican Form of Government of the United States of America.
Bill Emerson English Language Empowerment Act of 1999 (Introduced in the House)
HR 123 IH
To amend title 4, United States Code, to declare English as the official language of the Government of the United States.
January 6, 1999
Mr. BARR of Georgia introduced the following bill; which was referred to
the Committee on Education and the Workforce, and in addition to the Committee
on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker,
in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction
of the committee concerned
To amend title 4, United States Code, to declare English as the official language of the Government of the United States.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the `Bill Emerson English Language Empowerment Act of 1999'.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds and declares the following:
(1) The United States is comprised of individuals and groups from diverse ethnic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds.
(2) The United States has benefited and continues to benefit from this rich diversity.
(3) Throughout the history of the United States, the common thread binding individuals of differing backgrounds has been a common language.
(4) In order to preserve unity in diversity, and to prevent division along linguistic lines, the Federal Government should maintain a language common to all people.
(5) English has historically been the common language and the language of opportunity in the United States.
(6) The purpose of this title is to help immigrants better assimilate and take full advantage of economic and occupational opportunities in the United States.
(7) By learning the English language, immigrants will be empowered with the language skills and literacy necessary to become responsible citizens and productive workers in the United States.
(8) The use of a single common language in conducting official business of the Federal Government will promote efficiency and fairness to all people.
(9) English should be recognized in law as the language of official business of the Federal Government.
(10) Any monetary savings derived from the enactment of this title should be used for the teaching of the English language to non-English -speaking immigrants.
SEC. 3. ENGLISH AS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
(a) IN GENERAL- Title 4, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new chapter:
`CHAPTER 6--LANGUAGE OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
`Sec.
`161. Declaration of official language of Federal Government.
`162. Preserving and enhancing the role of the official language.
`163. Official Federal Government activities in English .
`164. Standing.
`165. Reform of naturalization requirements.
`166. Application.
`167. Rule of construction.
`168. Affirmation of constitutional protections.
`169. Definitions.
`Sec. 161. Declaration of official language of Federal Government
`The official language of the Federal Government is English .
`Sec. 162. Preserving and enhancing the role of the official language
`Representatives of the Federal Government shall have an affirmative obligation to preserve and enhance the role of English as the official language of the Federal Government. Such obligation shall include encouraging greater opportunities for individuals to learn the English language.
`Sec. 163. Official Federal Government activities in English
`(a) CONDUCT OF BUSINESS- Representatives of the Federal Government shall conduct its official business in English .
`(b) DENIAL OF SERVICES- No person shall be denied services, assistance, or facilities, directly or indirectly provided by the Federal Government solely because the person communicates in English .
`(c) ENTITLEMENT- Every person in the United States is entitled--
`(1) to communicate with representatives of the Federal Government in English ;
`(2) to receive information from or contribute information to the Federal Government in English ; and
`(3) to be informed of or be subject to official orders in English .
`Sec. 164. Standing
`A person injured by a violation of this chapter may in a civil action (including an action under chapter 151 of title 28) obtain appropriate relief.
`Sec. 165. Reform of naturalization requirements
`(a) FLUENCY- It has been the longstanding national belief that full citizenship in the United States requires fluency in English . English is the language of opportunity for all immigrants to take their rightful place in society in the United States.
`(b) CEREMONIES- All authorized officials shall conduct all naturalization ceremonies entirely in English .
`Sec. 166. Application
`Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the provisions of this chapter shall supersede any existing Federal law that contravenes such provisions (such as by requiring the use of a language other than English for official business of the Federal Government).
`Sec. 167. Rule of construction
`Nothing in this chapter shall be construed--
`(1) to prohibit a Member of Congress or an employee or official of the Federal Government, while performing official business, from communicating orally with another person in a language other than English ;
`(2) to limit the preservation or use of Native Alaskan or Native American languages (as defined in the Native American Languages Act);
`(3) to discriminate against or restrict the rights of any individual in the country; and
`(4) to discourage or prevent the use of languages other than English in any nonofficial capacity.
`Sec. 168. Affirmation of constitutional protections
`Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to be inconsistent with the Constitution of the United States.
`Sec. 169. Definitions
`For purposes of this chapter:
`(1) FEDERAL GOVERNMENT- The term `Federal Government' means all branches of the national Government and all employees and officials of the national Government while performing official business.
`(2) OFFICIAL BUSINESS- The term `official business' means governmental actions, documents, or policies which are enforceable with the full weight and authority of the Federal Government, and includes publications, income tax forms, and informational materials, but does not include--
`(A) teaching of languages;
`(B) requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act;
`(C) actions, documents, or policies necessary for--
`(i) national security issues; or
`(ii) international relations, trade, or commerce;
`(D) actions or documents that protect the public health and safety;
`(E) actions or documents that facilitate the activities of the Bureau of the Census in compiling any census of population;
`(F) actions, documents, or policies that are not enforceable in the United States;
`(G) actions that protect the rights of victims of crimes or criminal defendants;
`(H) actions in which the United States has initiated a civil lawsuit; or
`(I) using terms of art or phrases from languages other than English .
`(3) UNITED STATES- The term `United States' means the several States and the District of Columbia.'.
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT- The table of chapters for title 4, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new item:
161'.
SEC. 4. PREEMPTION.
This title (and the amendments made by this title) shall not preempt any law of any State.
SEC. 5. EFFECTIVE DATE.
The amendments made by section 3 shall take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States establishing English as the official language of the United States. (Introduced in the House)
HJ 21 IH
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States establishing English as the official language of the United States.
January 19, 1999
Mr. DOOLITTLE (for himself, Mr. MANZULLO, Mr. CRAMER, Mr. GUTKNECHT, Mr.
STUMP, Mr. TANCREDO, Mr. GOODE, and Mrs. CHENOWETH) introduced the following
joint resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States establishing English as the official language of the United States.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled (two-thirds of each House concurring therein), That the following article is proposed as an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which shall be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the Constitution when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years after the date of its submission for ratification:
`Article--
`SECTION 1. The English language shall be the official language of the United States. As the official language, the English language shall be used for all public acts including every order, resolution, vote or election, and for all records and judicial proceedings of the Government of the United States and the governments of the several States.
`SECTION 2. The Congress and the States shall enforce this article by appropriate legislation.'.
The other House congressional bill, pertaining
to making English the Official Language of the United States, that has been
introduced by the conservative radical right, can be accessed at the following
page.
HR 50
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP SAVE THE CONSTITUTION
AND THE REPUBLIC?
1.) Contact your elected member of Congress, both in the House and in the
Senate, and let those in Congress know, in no uncertain terms, that you
are a "true" American that supports the "true" Republic,
and that you support the United States Constitution and the Republican Form
of Government, and why aren't members of Congress doing the same! Let them
know about your opposition to the current bill's in the 1st Session of the
106th Congress, with the Congressional Bill designation's of: H. J. RES. 21, H. R. 123, and H. R. 50.
2.) Contact the White House and let them know your opposition to the continuing harmful legislation, and attempted misconstructions of the Constitution and the Republican Form of Government, which the conservative radical right in Congress keeps on imposing on the peace and good order of the Republic.
3.) Help us form a chain of "true republican" citizen alliances, run and made up of Citizen Statesman from every walk of life and that come from one end of this Nation to the other, and from every element of every individual lifestyle, that will unite and work for the common peace and good order of a government that is a "true" Republic for all the people. Help us to remove the conservative radical right element from our political parties, a harmful and negative element that already has taken over the power and control of the Republican Party to use for their own private agenda.
4.) REGISTER TO VOTE AND THEN EXERCISE THAT AMERICAN RIGHT TO VOTE!!! THE TRUE REPUBLIC AND THE CONSTITUTION NEED'S YOUR SUPPORT AND VOTE!!! Help us to get out the Citizen Statesman reform vote for the 2000 Elections, and lets show those in Congress and elsewhere in US Government who the voice of the American people is, and what that voice is all about. Help us vote out, or otherwise remove, those in Congress who continue to harm the Constitution and the Republican Form of Government.
5.) Help us return this Nation to one that has the proper amount of constitutional representation in the House of Representatives, with which to maintain and properly support a Republican Form of Government. In order to maintain a healthy and properly run Republican Form of Government, it is necessary for the Constitution to be strictly followed in regards to how many members are to be in the House of Representatives. In order to have a constitutionally correct number of members in the House, with which to support and preserve the Republican Form of Government, the ratio for membership in the House must be maintained at the constitutionally correct ratio of one member for every 30,000 people. Over the last 150 years, conservative backed Congresses, for the benefit and gain of their own private agendas, have arbitrarily and underhandedly reestablished that ratio at a level today that equals approximately one member in the House for every 700,000 people. Help us return the peoples constitutionally correct representation in the House to one member for every 30,000 people, and help us to rebuild the "true" Republic into an even greater America for all people, and not for just the select few.
6.) Become involved in the affairs of your local communities, and join the fight to help rid our Nation of the plague of crimes that drugs like cocaine and heroin have brought on our society.
7.) You can also help by supporting this web site and the important constitutional work that it does. Contact us below for more information.
8.) Let your elected representative from Congress know about your displeasure with continued "hostile" acts and attempts to misconstruct the United States Constitution, which in many cases amounts to acts of Treason by certain members of Congress. Ask your elected representative why nothing is being done to prevent these "hostile," and therefore traitorous acts against the Constitution and Republican Form of Government of the United States of America, that continue to be made by members of the conservative radical right.
9.) Also let the White House know how you feel about the "hostile" acts and attempts by members of the conservative radical right to misconstruct the Constitution for their own benefit and gain. Ask the White House why there is nothing being done to prevent these "hostile," and treasonous acts against the Constitution and Republican Form of Government of the United States of America, that continue to be made by members of the conservative radical right. Write the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, and let the Judicial branch of government know exactly how you feel about these same issues.
Read the book that tells the whole story on Federalism, and the misguided
direction that those in power and control of Congress have guided the United
States and the masses of people into. For a limited time the author of the
book, FEDCON: Death of the American Republic, has granted special
permission, so that you can get a copy of this all revealing book about
Federalism and Congress, for FREE.
FEDCON: Death of the American Republic
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Copyright 1999, F.A.C.T.S. & Sherwood C. Ensey