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H.R. 997 113th Congress House

English Language Unity Act of 2013

Official title: To declare English as the official language of the United States, to establish a uniform English language rule for naturalization, and to avoid misconstruction… Show full official titleShow less

Official title: To declare English as the official language of the United States, to establish a uniform English language rule for naturalization, and to avoid misconstructions of the English language texts of the laws of the United States, pursuant to Congress' powers to provide for the general welfare of the United States and to establish a uniform rule of naturalization under article I, section 8, of the Constitution.

Introduced: July 15, 2014 See on congress.gov
Government Operations and Politics Academic performance and assessmentsAdministrative law and regulatory proceduresCitizenship and naturalizationCivil actions and liability
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Constitution and constitutional amendmentsDepartment of Homeland SecurityForeign language and bilingual programsGovernment information and archivesState and local government operations
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This bill died when the 113th Congress ended
It never became law before the 113th Congress (2013–2014) 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 8, 2013
Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice.
Mar 6, 2013
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 6, 2013
Introduced in House
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 Latest action April 8, 2013

Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

English Language Unity Act of 2013 - Makes English the official language of the United States.

Requires, subject to exceptions and rules of construction, that: (1) official functions of the U.S. government be conducted in English, and (2) all naturalization ceremonies be conducted in English.

Establishes a uniform English language rule for naturalization.

Makes English language requirements and workplace policies, whether in the public or private sector, presumptively consistent with the laws of the United States.

Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to issue for public notice and comment a proposed rule for uniform testing of 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.

 Related & companion bills 1
  • S 464 English Language Unity Act of 2013
 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 4
 Cosponsors 76
All 76 Republican 27
Black, Diane
· Sep 15, 2014
Meadows, Mark
· Sep 9, 2014
Hunter, Duncan
· Jul 31, 2014
 R
Hudson, Richard
North Carolina · Jul 28, 2014
 R
Lucas, Frank D.
Oklahoma · Jul 15, 2014
Fleming, John
· Jul 14, 2014
 R
Bilirakis, Gus M.
Florida · Jul 10, 2014
Schock, Aaron
· Jul 10, 2014
CHABOT, STEVE
· Jul 9, 2014
 R
Fleischmann, Charles J. "Chuck"
Tennessee · Jun 24, 2014
Price, Tom
· Jun 24, 2014
MICA, JOHN
· Jun 23, 2014
CAMP, DAVE
· Jun 18, 2014
 R
Wilson, Joe
South Carolina · Jun 18, 2014
Bachmann, Michele
· Jun 17, 2014
 R
Blackburn, Marsha
Tennessee · Jun 17, 2014
Campbell, John
· Jun 10, 2014
JOHNSON, SAM
· Jun 10, 2014
 R
Smith, Adrian
Nebraska · Jun 10, 2014
WHITFIELD, EDWARD
· Jun 10, 2014
PETRI, TOM
· Jun 9, 2014
Roe, David
· Jun 9, 2014
 R
DesJarlais, Scott
Tennessee · May 28, 2014
Brooks, Mo
· May 21, 2014
 R
Wittman, Robert J.
Virginia · May 21, 2014
Harper, Gregg
· May 20, 2014
 R
Rogers, Mike D.
Alabama · May 6, 2014
Forbes, J.
· Feb 28, 2014
Bishop, Rob
· Feb 27, 2014
Collins, Doug
· Feb 27, 2014
Fortenberry, Jeff
· Jan 14, 2014
Jenkins, Lynn
· Jan 7, 2014
 R
Harris, Andy
Maryland · Dec 2, 2013
LATHAM, TOM
· Nov 19, 2013
Miller, Candice
· Nov 19, 2013
 R
Perry, Scott
Pennsylvania · Oct 9, 2013
 R
Massie, Thomas
Kentucky · Oct 7, 2013
Stewart, Chris
· Sep 27, 2013
Long, Billy
· Sep 9, 2013
 R
Scalise, Steve
Louisiana · Aug 2, 2013
 R
Womack, Steve
Arkansas · Jul 31, 2013
Rothfus, Keith
· Jul 9, 2013
Bridenstine, Jim
· May 22, 2013
Marchant, Kenny
· May 22, 2013
 R
Calvert, Ken
California · Mar 21, 2013
 R
Joyce, David P.
Ohio · Mar 12, 2013
Barletta, Lou
· Mar 6, 2013
Boustany, Charles
· Mar 6, 2013
Broun, Paul
· Mar 6, 2013
 R
Buchanan, Vern
Florida · Mar 6, 2013
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Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 997: English Language Unity Act of 2013. 113th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/113-HR-997/
MLA
"H.R. 997: English Language Unity Act of 2013." 113th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/113-HR-997/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 997, 113th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/113-HR-997/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 997: English Language Unity Act of 2013](https://openamerica.io/bill/113-HR-997/)
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