PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jan 4, 1995
Language of Government Act of 1995 - Declares English to be the official language of the U.S. Government. States that the Government has an affirmative obligation to preserve and enhance the role of English as the official language. Requires the Government to conduct its official business in English. Prohibits anyone from being denied Government services because he or she communicates in English.
People & committees
Rep. Emerson, Bill [R-MO-8] · R–MO
Legislative record
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Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by recorded vote: 259 - 169 (Roll no. 391).
House roll call 391 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by recorded vote: 259 - 169 (Roll no. 391).
House roll call 391 · Individual votesOn motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 171 - 257 (Roll No. 390). (consideration: CR H9771)
House roll call 390 · Individual votesThe previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Serrano motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion require that the bill be reported back to the House with an amendment in the nature of a substitute which consists essentially of the text of the Serrano amendment previously rejected by the Committee of the Whole, but with certain modifications.
Mr. Serrano moved to recommit with instructions to Economic and Educational.
The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 123.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 499, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of debate on the Serrano amendment.
The Committee of the Whole resumed debate.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 499, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Cunningham amendent.
GENERAL DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate.
The Speaker designated the Honorable James V. Hansen to act as Chairman of the Committee.
House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 499 and Rule XXIII.
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 123 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. In lieu of the amendment recommended by the Committee on Economic and Educational Opportunities now printed in the bill, it shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of H.R. 3898. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 499. (consideration: CR H9738-9772)
Rule H. Res. 499 passed House.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 499 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 123 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. In lieu of the amendment recommended by the Committee on Economic and Educational Opportunities now printed in the bill, it shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of H.R. 3898. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 387.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Economic and Educational. H. Rept. 104-723.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Economic and Educational. H. Rept. 104-723.
Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Youth and Families Discharged.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 19 - 17.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E2417-1418)
Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Youth and Families.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E35)
Referred to the House Committee on Economic and Educational Opportunities.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E13, E24)
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.123 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.123 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
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