S. 542

119 S542 IS: English Language Unity Act of 2025
 U.S. Senate
 2025-02-12
 text/xml
 EN
 Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.
 II  119th CONGRESS  1st Session  S. 542  IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES   February 12, 2025   Mr. Moreno  introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the  Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs    A BILL
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.
1.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the   English Language Unity Act of 2025  .
2.
Findings
Congress finds and declares the following:
(1)
The United States is comprised of individuals from diverse ethnic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds.
(2)
Throughout the history of the United States, a common thread binding citizens of differing backgrounds has been the English language.
(3)
Among the powers reserved to the States respectively is the power to establish the English language as the official language of the respective States, and otherwise to promote the English language within the respective States, subject to the prohibitions enumerated in the Constitution of the United States and in laws of the respective States.
3.
English as official language of the United States
(a)
In general
Title 4, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
6
Official language
161.
Official language of the United States
The official language of the United States is English.
162.
Preserving and enhancing the role of the official language
Representatives of the Federal Government shall have an affirmative obligation to preserve and enhance the role of English as the official language of the Federal Government. Such obligation shall include encouraging greater opportunities for individuals to learn the English language.
163.
Official functions of Government to be conducted in English
(a)
Scope
For the purposes of this section—
(1)
the term  official  refers to any function that—
(A)
binds the Government;
(B)
is required by law; or
(C)
is otherwise subject to scrutiny by either the press or the public; and
(2)
the term  United States  means the several States and the District of Columbia.
(b)
Official functions
The official functions of the Government of the United States shall be conducted in English.
(c)
Practical effect
This section—
(1)
shall apply to all laws, public proceedings, regulations, publications, orders, actions, programs, and policies; and
(2)
shall not apply to—
(A)
teaching of languages;
(B)
requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ( 20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq. );
(C)
actions, documents, or policies necessary for national security, international relations, trade, tourism, or commerce;
(D)
actions or documents that protect the public health and safety;
(E)
actions or documents that facilitate the activities of the Bureau of the Census in compiling any census of population;
(F)
actions that protect the rights of victims of crimes or criminal defendants; or
(G)
using terms of art or phrases from languages other than English.
164.
Uniform English language rule for naturalization
(a)
Uniform language testing standard
All citizens of the United States should be able to read and understand generally the English language text of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the laws of the United States made in pursuance of the Constitution of the United States.
(b)
Ceremonies
All naturalization ceremonies shall be conducted in English.
165.
Rules of construction
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed—
(1)
to prohibit a Member of Congress or any officer or agent of the Federal Government, while performing official functions under section 163, from communicating unofficially through any medium with another person in a language other than English (as long as official functions are performed in English);
(2)
to limit the preservation or use of Native Alaskan or Native American languages (as defined in the Native American Languages Act ( 25 U.S.C. 2901 et seq. ));
(3)
to disparage any language or to discourage any person from learning or using a language; or
(4)
to be inconsistent with the Constitution of the United States.
166.
Standing
A person injured by a violation of this chapter may in a civil action (including an action under  chapter 151  of title 28) obtain appropriate relief.
  .
(b)
Clerical amendment
The table of chapters at the beginning of title 4, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to chapter 5 the following:
Chapter 6. Official language
  .
4.
General rules of construction for English language texts of the laws of the United States
(a)
In general
 Chapter 1  of title 1, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
9.
General rules of construction for laws of the United States
(a)
English language requirements and workplace policies, whether in the public or private sector, shall be presumptively consistent with the laws of the United States.
(b)
Any ambiguity in the English language text of the laws of the United States shall be resolved, in accordance with the last two articles of the Bill of Rights, not to deny or disparage rights retained by the people, and to reserve powers to the States respectively, or to the people.
 .
(b)
Clerical amendment
The table of sections at the beginning of  chapter 1  of title 1, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to  section 8  the following:
9. General rules of construction for laws of the United States.
  .
5.
Implementing regulations
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall issue for public notice and comment a proposed rule for uniform testing English language ability of candidates for naturalization, which shall be based upon the principles that—
(1)
all citizens of the United States should be able to read and understand generally the English language text of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the laws of the United States which are made in pursuance thereof; and
(2)
any exceptions to the standard described in paragraph (1) should be limited to extraordinary circumstances.
6.
Effective date
The amendments made by sections 3 and 4 shall take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.