HR 1229 111th Congress House Government Operations and Politics Citizenship and naturalization Foreign language and bilingual programs Government information and archives Tax administration and collection, taxpayers Voting rights

National Language Act of 2009

Introduced: February 26, 2009 See on congress.gov

Everywhere this bill has been 7 steps

Introduced

In committee

Reported out

Passed House

Passed Senate

To President

Became law

Aug 19, 2009

Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.

Aug 19, 2009

Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.

Apr 22, 2009

Referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.

Feb 26, 2009

Referred to House Judiciary

Feb 26, 2009

Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, 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.

Feb 26, 2009

Referred to House Education and Labor

Feb 26, 2009

Introduced in House

Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

National Language Act of 2009 - Makes English the official language of the U.S. government. Requires the government to: (1) conduct its official business in English, including publications, income tax forms, and informational materials; and (2) preserve and enhance the role of English as the official language of the United States of America. Provides that no person has a right, entitlement, or claim to have the government act, communicate, perform, or provide services or materials in any other language, unless specifically stated in applicable law.

Provides that this Act shall not apply to the use of a language other than English for religious purposes, for training in foreign languages for international communication, or in school programs designed to encourage students to learn foreign languages. States that this does not prevent the U.S. government from providing interpreters for persons over age 62.

Repeals provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 regarding bilingual election requirements and regarding congressional findings of voting discrimination against language minorities, prohibition of English-only elections, and other remedial measures.

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require that all public ceremonies in which the oath of allegiance is administered pursuant to such Act be conducted solely in English.

Specifies that this Act shall not preempt any state law.

What's happening now August 19, 2009

Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.

Committees of jurisdiction 5