HR 997 109th Congress House Government Operations and Politics Administrative procedure Citizenship Civics education Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues Civil actions and liability Congress Declaration of Independence Department of Homeland Security Education Educational tests English language Evidence (Law) Federal employees Government paperwork Government publications Government regulation History Immigrants Immigration

English Language Unity Act of 2005

Introduced: March 1, 2005 See on congress.gov

Everywhere this bill has been 6 steps

Introduced

In committee

Reported out

Passed House

Passed Senate

To President

Became law

May 19, 2006

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H2948-2949)

Apr 4, 2005

Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution.

Mar 24, 2005

Referred to the Subcommittee on Education Reform.

Mar 3, 2005

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E355)

Mar 1, 2005

Referred 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.

Mar 1, 2005

Introduced in House

Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

English Language Unity Act of 2005 - Declares English to be the official language of the United States. Establishes the affirmative obligation of the representatives of the Federal Government to preserve and enhance the role of the English language as the Government's official language. Requires the official functions of the Government to be conducted in English. Requires: (1) a uniform English language testing standard for U.S. naturalization; and (2) all naturalization ceremonies to be conducted in English. Sets forth exceptions to, and rules of construction for, such requirements.

Authorizes persons injured by violations of this Act to obtain appropriate relief in civil actions.

Declares, as a general rule of construction, that English language requirements and workplace policies, whether in the public or private sector, shall be presumptively consistent with the laws of the United States.

Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue for public notice and comment 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.

What's happening now May 19, 2006

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H2948-2949)

Committees of jurisdiction 4