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HR 5759 110th Congress House Government Operations and Politics Bilingualism English language Government paperwork Government publications

English as the Official Language Act of 2008

Introduced: April 10, 2008 See on congress.gov
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This bill died when the 110th Congress ended
It never became law before the 110th Congress (2007–2008) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 3 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Apr 10, 2008
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
Apr 10, 2008
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H2212)
Apr 10, 2008
Introduced in House
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 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

English as the Official Language Act of 2008 - Requires: (1) English to be the national language of the federal government; and (2) the federal government to preserve and enhance the role of English as the national language.

Provides that no person has a right, entitlement, or claim to have the federal government act, communicate, perform or provide services, or provide materials in any language other than English, unless specifically provided by statute.

Makes the English language version of a government form issued in a language other than English the sole authority for legal purposes.

Declares that this Act does not prohibit the use of a language other than English.

What's happening now April 10, 2008

Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

 Related & companion bills 1
  • S 2715 Related bill National Language Act of 2008
 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 1
 Cosponsors 6
All 6 Republican 6
R
Latta, Robert E.
Ohio · Jul 9, 2008
 R
Lucas, Frank D.
Oklahoma · May 1, 2008
 R
Aderholt, Robert B.
Alabama · Apr 10, 2008
 R
Blackburn, Marsha
Tennessee · Apr 10, 2008
 R
Foxx, Virginia
North Carolina · Apr 10, 2008
 R
Walberg, Tim
Michigan · Apr 10, 2008
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 5759: English as the Official Language Act of 2008. 110th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/110-HR-5759/
MLA
"H.R. 5759: English as the Official Language Act of 2008." 110th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/110-HR-5759/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 5759, 110th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/110-HR-5759/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 5759: English as the Official Language Act of 2008](https://openamerica.io/bill/110-HR-5759/)
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