United States · Bill · HR
H.R. 997 (109th)
English Language Unity Act of 2005
Introduced
1 March 2005
Last action
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Status
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H2948-2949)
Sponsors
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Subjects
Discovery layer
Source updated
23 March 2026
Summary
English Language Unity Act of 2005 - Declares English to be the official language of the United States. Establishes the affirmative obligation of the representatives of the Federal Government to preserve and enhance the role of the English language as the Government's official language. Requires the official functions of the Government to be conducted in English. Requires: (1) a uniform English language testing standard for U.S. naturalization; and (2) all naturalization ceremonies to be conducted in English. Sets forth exceptions to, and rules of construction for, such requirements. Authorizes persons injured by violations of this Act to obtain appropriate relief in civil actions. Declares, as a general rule of construction, that English language requirements and workplace policies, whether in the public or private sector, shall be presumptively consistent with the laws of the United States. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue for public notice and comment a proposed rule for uniform testing of the 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.
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Documents
3 official files
Introduced in House (text)
Introduced in House (text)
Introduced in House · EN · 1 March 2005
Introduced in House (PDF)
Introduced in House · EN · 1 March 2005
Introduced in House
summary · EN · 1 March 2005
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Sources
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- Official source: https://www.congress.gov/bill/109th-congress/house-bill/997
- Open data entity: https://api.congress.gov/v3/bill/109/hr/997