Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District Wastewater and Recycled Water Facilities Act of 2005

Mr. Speaker, I have introduced legislation to make English the official language of the United States Government. The English language is the carrier of liberty and freedom throughout history and the world. For centuries, our common tongue, English, has been the uniting force in this great nation, knocking down ethnic and religious barriers to make us truly one nation. Today, as we rally for unity and patriotism a common means of communication propels us toward our goal.

The English Language Unity Act declares English the language of the United States. Like its predecessors, it does not affect the teaching and study of other languages. It does not deter the use of other languages in the home, community, church, or elsewhere. The Act includes commonsense exceptions to the policy, for international relations, national security, teaching of languages, and preservation of Native Alaskan or Native American languages.

A common language has enabled generations of Americans to realize the dream of American opportunity and freedom. Studies continue to prove those who know English get better jobs, earn more money and receive better health care than those who cannot speak the language. As a result, an emphasis on English decreases reliance on the federal government.

The need for official English appears in our newspapers every day-- injuries in the workplace, mistranslations at hospitals, people who are unable to support themselves and their families--all because they could not speak English.

Recognizing a common language is neither racist nor exclusionary. It is a principle enacted by 177 countries worldwide to allow for the transmission of ideas and customs and to allow people of multiple cultures to come together. This bill does not inhibit people from speaking other languages, nor does it attempt to place any limits on culture, religion or customs.

The Unity Act gives newcomers an opportunity to succeed in the United States. It bonds the newcomer with his fellow Americans, allowing both to reach for the highest rung on the economic ladder and provide for a family.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, those with limited English proficiency are less likely to be employed, less likely to be employed continuously, tend to work in the least desirable sectors and earn less than those who speak English. Annual earnings by limited English proficient adults were approximately half of the earnings of the total population surveyed.

Few doubt this reality. In a 1995 poll by the Luntz Research firm, more than 80 percent of immigrants supported making English the official language of the United States. They are joined by 86 percent of all Americans who agree with English as the official language of the United States.

Similar English legislation in the 104th Congress (H.R. 123) drew 197 bipartisan House cosponsors and won a bipartisan vote on August 1, 1996. That spirited effort, led by our late colleague Bill Emerson, is unfinished business that we must attend to for the benefit of all Americans.

I urge my colleagues to co-sponsor The English Language Unity Act of 2005 in the 109th Congress so that we can ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to attain the American dream.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to provide a voice for those too often silenced, the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered students who face verbal, nonverbal and physical harassment in our schools.

Today is the National Day of Silence; and across the country, students have taken a vow of silence to protest the discrimination and intolerance that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people face on a daily basis. We must continue to promote the diversity that makes our country so rich, while denouncing stereotypes that make it harder for youths to accept themselves. Stereotypes also contribute to the harassment, prejudice, and discrimination that silence GLBT youth.

For that reason, I am proud to sponsor H.R. 123, which memorializes the National Day of Silence.

I would also like to highlight the new campaign from the Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network called TeachRespect.org.

I would also like to thank Mat Friday and Bruce Carlsen, community members in my district who are working hard to make K-12 schools safe, and especially Stewart Rosenstein, who is a tireless advocate for the GLBT youth in Santa Cruz, California.

I commend my colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel), for introducing such important legislation. I urge my colleagues to be cosponsors.