King: Judiciary Committee Announces Hearing on Official English

Monday, July 23, 2012

Washington, DC- Congressman Steve King released the following statement today to announce a Judiciary Committee hearing on the Official English Act, legislation King has championed since 2003 when he was sworn into Congress, will be held next Thursday, August 2nd. The Official English Act, H.R. 997, declares English as our official language and requires representatives of the federal government to encourage individuals to learn English, establishes a uniform language requirement for naturalization, and requires functions of the United States to be conducted in English. Previously, King led the successful effort to enact legislation establishing English as Iowa's official language as a member of Iowa's Senate.

"The Judiciary Committee hearing next week reflects the need to get a vote on the floor of the House of Representatives on this popular issue- 87% of Americans say that English should be the official language of the United States," said King. "A common language is the most powerful source of unifying force for any nation. Over the course of history, common languages have created cohesive cultures and have helped prevent division. I've introduced the Official English Act every session I've been in Congress because I know that an official language will keep this nation bound together and I look forward to next week's hearing. Now we need to get Official English passed into law."