Thread: Rep. Paul Broun wants English as National Language

Rep. Paul Broun introduced legislation today to make English the national language of the United States and clarify that there is no affirmative right to receive government services in languages other than English, except where required by federal law. Broun was joined by 26 other Representatives in introducing H.R. 5759, English as the Official Language Act of 2008. The bill has been assigned to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

Under English as the Official Language Act of 2008, English would become the national language of the United States. The bill would clarify that no person has an entitlement to have government agencies provide services or materials in a language other than English, except where required by federal law.

Efforts to reduce government multilingualism and focus on English acquisition have the support of many on Capitol Hill. In both 2006 and 2007, the Senate passed amendments to make English the national language and reduce multilingual entitlements. Additionally, standalone bills to make English the official language of the United States are pending in both houses of Congress, including the Senate companion to this legislation, S. 2715.

Legislation to unite all Americans under the common language of English is also widely favored among the general population. An Aug. 2007 survey by The Winston Group found that 88 percent of Americans support making English the official language of the United States, while a June 2007 poll by Zogby International pegged the rate at 83 percent. Both surveys found majority support for the measures among Democrats, Republicans and Independents.



This new legislation has more support than previous bills, it may actually go through this time. Even with the emergence of Spanish as a major US language, over 80% of US citizens still use English as their primary means of communication. It is for this reason that I do feel English should be an official language. I agree with this legislation for practical reasons, not for national identity.

Boy I hope this passes and puts this fiasco behind us.

In both 2006 and 2007, the Senate passed amendments to make English the national language and reduce multilingual entitlements. Additionally, standalone bills to make English the official language of the United States are pending in both houses of Congress, including the Senate companion to this legislation, S. 2715.

So why do we need another bill that has English as our official language?

NO matter WHAT is THOUGHT, SAID, or DONE in PRAISE of being MULTILINGUAL, the ONE and ONLY official language of the United States of America MUST be ENGLISH, for English--NOT French, Spanish, German, Russian, Chinese, or any OTHER language--is the MOTHER tongue of OUR country's ORIGINAL founders!

The bill would clarify that no person has an entitlement to have government agencies provide services or materials in a language other than English, except where required by federal law.

This is great news, but I wonder what "except where required by federal law" means. Anyone have a clue?

Originally Posted by WorriedAmerican

In both 2006 and 2007, the Senate passed amendments to make English the national language and reduce multilingual entitlements. Additionally, standalone bills to make English the official language of the United States are pending in both houses of Congress, including the Senate companion to this legislation, S. 2715.

So why do we need another bill that has English as our official language?

Because the Senate would NOT pass it. Obama and Clinton both voted against it.

Hope it passes.


Here is a great organization behind this movement to make ENGLISH THIS COUNTRY'S OFFICIAL LANGUAGE.

http://www.englishfirst.org/

What is the organizations platform.
http://www.englishfirst.org/whoef.htm

In both 2006 and 2007, the Senate passed amendments to make English the national language and reduce multilingual entitlements.

Because the Senate would NOT pass it. Obama and Clinton both voted against it.

But it says that the Senate passed amendments to make English a second Language???