United States · Bill · HR
H.R. 997 (113th)
English Language Unity Act of 2013
Introduced
6 March 2013
Last action
—
Status
Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice.
Sponsors
—
Subjects
Discovery layer
Source updated
27 January 2026
Summary
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.
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Documents
3 official files
Introduced in House (text)
Introduced in House (text)
Introduced in House · EN · 6 March 2013
Introduced in House (PDF)
Introduced in House · EN · 6 March 2013
Introduced in House
summary · EN · 6 March 2013
Sponsors
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Sources
PoliticalRepo is an index and interpretation layer, not the authoritative legal source.
- Official source: https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/house-bill/997
- Open data entity: https://api.congress.gov/v3/bill/113/hr/997