H.R. 997: English Language Unity Act of 2011

112th Congress · introduced 2011-03-10 · Government Operations and Politics · Latest: Subcommittee Hearings Held.

federal

Follow this bill, step by step

Where it came from: introduced 2011-03-10 · official record
Who proposed it: Rep. King, Steve [R-IA-5] · what a sponsor is
What happened next: no floor votes in our records yet. Why?
Where it stands now: Subcommittee Hearings Held. Not final yet: this can still change. We check for updates every day.
If it becomes law and spends money: follow the money to money laws, then agencies and contracts and grants.

What does this mean?

Official title

English Language Unity Act of 2011

Plain summary

English Language Unity Act of 2011- Makes English the official language of the United States. Requires, subject to exceptions and rules of construction, that: (1) official functions of the United States 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 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.

Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in House), quoted unchanged (nonpartisan). Read the source.

What a vote does

A “Yea” vote

If it passes both chambers and is signed, it becomes law.

A “Nay” vote

If it is not passed, current law stays as it is.

PSI Sci description of the legislative step (not an opinion).

What does this mean? (plain words)

Official text

English Language Unity Act of 2011

Source: Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in House)

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The strongest published arguments

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Alternatives

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How did my representative vote? · This bill's floor votes

Officials and money

Sponsor: Rep. King, Steve [R-IA-5] · 122 cosponsors

Cost estimate: No cost estimate published yet.

Cosponsors on this site

Michael R. Turner (R-OH), Robert J. Wittman (R-VA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Michael T. McCaul (R-TX), Robert E. Latta (R-OH), Jim Jordan (R-OH), Joe Wilson (R-SC), Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Michael K. Simpson (R-ID), Tom McClintock (R-CA), Steve Scalise (R-LA), Adrian Smith (R-NE), Andy Harris (R-MD), Tim Walberg (R-MI) and 62 more.

No linked floor roll calls in our collected records yet. This does not mean the bill has never had a vote. Check the official bill history.

Words on this page, explained (2)

Rulemaking: The process agencies use to write regulations that carry out laws passed by Congress or a legislature. Usually an agency publishes a proposed rule, takes public comments, then publishes a final rule.
Securities: Financial investments that can be bought and sold, such as stocks and bonds.

Plain meanings written from linked sources. All words.

Sources

Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in House)
Congress.gov
Data: GovInfo BILLSTATUS bulk data (Library of Congress), BILLSTATUS-112hr997.xml <https://www.govinfo.gov/bulkdata/BILLSTATUS/112/hr>

Record fed-us-cong112-hr997 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong112 · updated 2026-11-15 by psicol fed-bills-cong112