Sec. 3. English as official language of the United States
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/bill/115/s/678/is/section-3A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
Title 4, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: The official language of the United States is English. 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. For the purposes of this section— the term official refers to any function that— binds the Government; is required by law; or is otherwise subject to scrutiny by either the press or the public; and the term United States means the several States and the District of Columbia.
The official functions of the Government of the United States shall be conducted in English. This section— shall apply to all laws, public proceedings, regulations, publications, orders, actions, programs, and policies; and shall not apply to— teaching of languages; requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ( 20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.); actions, documents, or policies necessary for national security, international relations, trade, tourism, or commerce; actions or documents that protect the public health and safety; actions or documents that facilitate the activities of the Bureau of the Census in compiling any census of population; actions that protect the rights of victims of crimes or criminal defendants; or using terms of art or phrases from languages other than English.
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. All naturalization ceremonies shall be conducted in English. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed— 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); 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.)); to disparage any language or to discourage any person from learning or using a language; or to be inconsistent with the Constitution of the United States.
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. . 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 .
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