English Language Unity Act of 2017
- Last Action
- 3/2/2017
Actions
- 2017-03-02Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security.
- 2017-02-09Referred 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.
- 2017-02-09Referred 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.
- 2017-02-09Referred 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.
- 2017-02-09Introduced in House
- 2017-02-09Introduced in House
CRS Summary
As of 2017-02-09 (00)
English Language Unity Act of 2017
This bill establishes English as the official language of the United States.
Naturalization ceremonies and official functions of the U.S. government, subject to exceptions, must be conducted in English.
The bill declares that all citizens should be able to read and understand generally the English language text of U.S. laws.
A person injured by a violation of this bill may obtain relief, including a declaratory judgment, in a civil action.
English language requirements and workplace policies, whether in the public or private sector, shall be presumptively consistent with U.S. laws. Any ambiguity in U.S. laws shall be resolved in accordance with the rights retained by the people and the powers reserved to states under the Bill of Rights.
The Department of Homeland Security shall issue a proposed rule for uniform testing of the English language ability of candidates for naturalization based upon the principles that: (1) all citizens should be able to read and understand generally the English language text of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the laws of the United States; and (2) any exceptions to this standard should be limited to extraordinary circumstances, such as asylum.
Cosponsors (20)
- Doug Collins (R-GA)
- Louie Gohmert (R-TX)
- Lou Barletta (R-PA)
- Jeff Duncan (R-SC)
- Trent Franks (R-AZ)
- Thomas Massie (R-KY)
- WALTER JONES (R-NC)
- Tom McClintock (R-CA)
- Steven Palazzo (R-MS)
- Barry Loudermilk (R-GA)
- Michael Turner (R-OH)
- KEN CALVERT (R-CA)
- David Roe (R-TN)
- Virginia Foxx (R-NC)
- ROBERT ADERHOLT (R-AL)
- SAM GRAVES (R-MO)
- Rob Bishop (R-UT)
- Michael McCaul (R-TX)
- Randy Weber (R-TX)
- Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE)
Subjects
- Academic performance and assessments
- Administrative law and regulatory procedures
- Citizenship and naturalization
- Civil actions and liability
- Constitution and constitutional amendments
- Department of Homeland Security
- Foreign language and bilingual programs
- Government information and archives
- State and local government operations
Sourced from Congress.gov (public domain).
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.