Number: RL33356
Title: English as the Official Language of the United States: Legal Background and Analysis of Legislation in the 110th Congress
Authors: Jody Feder, American Law Division 
Abstract: Renewed congressional efforts to codify English as the "official" or "national" language by statute largely replaced the constitutional amendment approach of earlier years. This trend culminated in 1996 when the House passed H.R. 123, to declare English the official language of the United States government and restricting other linguistic usage in the conduct of "official" governmental business. The measure died in the Senate. Contemporary versions of the earlier measure, however, have appeared in subsequent legislative sessions, and similar legislation has been introduced in the 110th Congress. Both H.J.Res. 17 and H.J.Res. 19 would amend the Constitution to establish English as the official language of the United States, while H.Con.Res. 11 would resolve that the federal government should pursue policies that not only encourage all residents to become fully proficient in English but also encourage all residents to learn or maintain skills in languages other than English. Meanwhile, H.R. 768 would prohibit the enforcement of any executive order that creates an entitlement to services provided in languages other than English, while H.R. 769, H.R. 997, S. 1335, and S. 1348 would, among other things, declare English to be the official language of the United States.
Pages: 12
Date: June 15, 2007