This one does NOT make sense....How could "making English as the official language" harm Citizens.....you have to speak English to become a Citizen...don't you?? Also if both Amendments passed....why do we not have this?

Dear :

Thank you for contacting me with your concerns. I appreciate hearing from you.

I have always believed that learning to speak, read, and write English is the foundation for a successful life in the United States. Surely no one disagrees about the importance of English to integration or to full participation in our culture. During recent consideration of a comprehensive immigration reform measure, S. 1348, Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) introduced an amendment to declare English the national language of the United States.


Similar to an amendment offered during the previous year's immigration debate, I concluded that a majority of the people who would have been harmed are United States citizens. It could create barriers that keep our police officers from gaining information to prevent crimes, threaten our public health by keeping people with infectious diseases from getting treatment, and limit the ability of non-English speakers to learn English. I voted against Senator Inhofe's amendment, which ultimately passed by a vote of 64 - 33. However, I voted for an amendment offered by Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO) to preserve and enhance the role of the English language. It passed by a vote of 59 - 39.


On May 8, 2007, Senator Inhofe also introduced the S.I. Hayakawa Official English Language Act, which would establish English as the official language of the United States. It was referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs for consideration.


Please be assured that I have taken note of your support for S.2719 which would nullify Executive Order 13166 and thus limit access to services for persons with limited English proficiency. I will keep your concerns in mind as I continue my efforts to ensure that we encourage every person in our country to learn English.

Again, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. For more information about my work for Nevada, my role in the United States Senate Leadership, or to subscribe to regular e-mail updates on the issues that interest you, please visit my Web site at http://reid.senate.gov. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

My best wishes to you.

Sincerely,
HARRY REID
United States Senator
Nevada