To amend title 4, United States Code, to declare English as the national language of the Government of the United States.
What it does: Inserts new text on page 3, line 8
Sen. James M. Inhofe (R-OK)Inserts new text on page 3, line 8
InsertsInserted: (d) Amendment to Title 4.--
Inserted: (1) In general.--Title 4, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
Inserted: "CHAPTER 6--LANGUAGE OF THE GOVERNMENT
Inserted: "Sec.
Inserted: "161. Declaration of national language.
Inserted: "162. Preserving and enhancing the role of the national language.
Inserted: "163. Use of language other than English.
Inserted: "Sec. 161. Declaration of national language "English shall be the national language of the Government of the United States.
Inserted: "Sec. 162. Preserving and enhancing the role of the national language
Inserted: "(a) In General.--The Government of the United States shall preserve and enhance the role of English as the national language of the United States.
Inserted: "(b) Exception.--Unless specifically provided by statute, no person has a right, entitlement, or claim to have the Government of the United States or any of its officials or representatives act, communicate, perform or provide services, or provide materials in any language other than English. If an exception is made with respect to the use of a language other than English, the exception does not create a legal entitlement to additional services in that language or any language other than English.
Inserted: "(c) Forms.--If any form is issued by the Federal Government in a language other than English (or such form is completed in a language other than English), the English language version of the form is the sole authority for all legal purposes.
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Inserted: "Sec. 163. Use of language other than English "Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit the use of a language other than English.".
Inserted: (2) Conforming amendment.--The table of chapters for title 4, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new item:
Inserted: "6. Language of the Government..............................161".....
Original wording
On page 3, after line 8, add the following:
Read automatically from the Congressional Record. Check the original before relying on it.
As printed
On page 3, after line 8, add the following:
(d) Amendment to Title 4.--
(1) In general.--Title 4, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“CHAPTER 6--LANGUAGE OF THE GOVERNMENT
“Sec.
“161. Declaration of national language.
“162. Preserving and enhancing the role of the national language.
“163. Use of language other than English.
“Sec. 161. Declaration of national language
“English shall be the national language of the Government of the United States.
“Sec. 162. Preserving and enhancing the role of the national
language
“(a) In General.--The Government of the United States shall preserve and enhance the role of English as the national language of the United States.
“(b) Exception.--Unless specifically provided by statute, no person has a right, entitlement, or claim to have the Government of the United States or any of its officials or representatives act, communicate, perform or provide services, or provide materials in any language other than English. If an exception is made with respect to the use of a language other than English, the exception does not create a legal entitlement to additional services in that language or any language other than English.
“(c) Forms.--If any form is issued by the Federal Government in a language other than English (or such form is completed in a language other than English), the English language version of the form is the sole authority for all legal purposes.
“Sec. 163. Use of language other than English
“Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit the use of a language other than English.”.
(2) Conforming amendment.--The table of chapters for title 4, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new item:
“6. Language of the Government..............................161”.....
Legislative Activity
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Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S4735, S4740)
April 27, 2009
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Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S4735, S4740)
April 27, 2009
Amendment SA 996 ruled non-germane by the chair. (consideration: CR S4740)
April 27, 2009
Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S4604)
April 23, 2009
Senate amendment submitted
April 22, 2009
Senate amendment proposed (on the floor): Amendment SA 996 proposed by Senator Inhofe to Amendment SA 984.(consideration: CR S4554-4555; text: CR S4554)
April 22, 2009
Amendment SA 996 proposed by Senator Inhofe to Amendment SA 984. (consideration: CR S4554-4555; text: CR S4554) To amend title 4, United States Code, to declare English as the national language of the Government of the United States.
April 22, 2009