[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 122 Engrossed in House (EH)]
In the House of Representatives, U.S.,
March 8, 2005.
Whereas the people of the United States have growing social, cultural, and
economic ties to the international community that present new challenges
as the United States seeks to communicate with and understand
international partners from different language and cultural backgrounds;
Whereas communities across the United States are welcoming many new neighbors,
friends, employees, and citizens from many countries throughout the
world;
Whereas increased language learning is a critical national interest and is
necessary to maintain the economic edge the United States has in the
worldwide marketplace;
Whereas developing a workforce that is skilled in languages and cultural
understanding is vital for conducting international commerce;
Whereas both the 2000 Cox Commission and the National Intelligence Council have
reported that a shortfall of experts in foreign languages, particularly
the languages of Asia and the Middle East, has seriously hampered
information gathering and analysis within the intelligence community of
the United States;
Whereas studying other languages has been shown to contribute to increased
cognitive skills, better academic performance, and a greater
understanding of others, while also providing life-long learning
opportunities;
Whereas language education in the 21st century includes a commitment to the
study of long sequences of world languages, beginning in early grades
and continuing throughout the academic career of an individual, in order
to develop the levels of proficiency needed to effectively communicate
with people from other cultures at home and abroad; and
Whereas the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, along with
its affiliate organizations, is urging the public to support increased
language education for students, which will expand the cultural and
literary horizons of adult learners and strengthen the position and
security of the United States throughout the world: Now, therefore, be
it
Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that--
(1) the study of languages contributes to the intellectual and
social development of a student and the economy and security of the
United States;
(2) there should be a Year of Languages in the United States, during
which language study is promoted and expanded in elementary schools,
secondary schools, institutions of higher education, businesses, and
government programs; and
(3) the President should issue a proclamation calling upon the
people of the United States to--
(A) encourage and support initiatives to promote and expand
the study of languages; and
(B) observe a Year of Languages with appropriate ceremonies,
programs, and other activities.
Attest:
Clerk.