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S 464 113th Congress Senate Government Operations and Politics Academic performance and assessments Administrative law and regulatory procedures Citizenship and naturalization Civil actions and liability Constitution and constitutional amendments Department of Homeland Security Foreign language and bilingual programs Government information and archives State and local government operations

English Language Unity Act of 2013

Introduced: March 5, 2013 See on congress.gov
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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
Mar 5, 2013
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S1133)
Mar 5, 2013
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1132-1133)
Mar 5, 2013
Introduced in Senate
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 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.

What's happening now March 5, 2013

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S1133)

 Related & companion bills 1
  • HR 997 Related bill English Language Unity Act of 2013
 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 1
 Cosponsors 2
All 2 Republican 2
R
Fischer, Deb
Nebraska · Mar 18, 2013
 R
Boozman, John
Arkansas · Mar 12, 2013
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). S. 464: English Language Unity Act of 2013. 113th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/113-S-464/
MLA
"S. 464: English Language Unity Act of 2013." 113th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/113-S-464/.
Bluebook (legal)
S. 464, 113th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/113-S-464/.
Markdown link
[S. 464: English Language Unity Act of 2013](https://openamerica.io/bill/113-S-464/)
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