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S. 992 111th Congress Senate

National Language Act of 2009

Official title: A bill to amend title 4, United States Code, to declare English as the national language of the Government of the United States, and for other purposes.

Introduced: May 6, 2009 See on congress.gov
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This bill died when the 111th Congress ended
It never became law before the 111th Congress (2009–2010) 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
May 6, 2009
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S5241)
May 6, 2009
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S5239-5240)
May 6, 2009
Introduced in Senate
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 Latest action May 6, 2009

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S5241)

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

National Language Act of 2009 - 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.

 Related & companion bills 1
  • HR 1229 National Language Act of 2009
 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 1
 Cosponsors 6
All 6 Republican 2
Burr, Richard
· May 6, 2009
DeMint, James
· May 6, 2009
Isakson, Johnny
· May 6, 2009
 R
Thune, John
South Dakota · May 6, 2009
Vitter, David
· May 6, 2009
 R
Wicker, Roger F.
Mississippi · May 6, 2009
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). S. 992: National Language Act of 2009. 111th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/111-S-992/
MLA
"S. 992: National Language Act of 2009." 111th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/111-S-992/.
Bluebook (legal)
S. 992, 111th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/111-S-992/.
Markdown link
[S. 992: National Language Act of 2009](https://openamerica.io/bill/111-S-992/)
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