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H.R.739 / 104th Congress

Declaration of Official Language Act of 1995

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H2127)

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jan 30, 1995

Declaration of Official Language Act of 1995 - Declares English to be the official language of the U.S. Government. States that English is the preferred language of communication among U.S. citizens. Requires the U.S. Government to promote and support the use of English for communications among U.S. citizens. Requires communications by officers and employees of the U.S. Government with U.S. citizens to be in English. Directs the Immigration and Naturalization Service to : (1) enforce the established English language proficiency standard for all applicants for U.S. citizenship; and (2) conduct all naturalization ceremonies entirely in English. Allows anyone injured by a violation of such provisions to obtain appropriate relief in a civil action. Authorizes the court in any such action to allow a prevailing party, other than the U.S. Government, a reasonable attorney's fee as part of costs. Repeals the Bilingual Education Act (title VII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965). Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to repeal bilingual election ballot requirements.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Roth, Toby [R-WI-8] · R–WI

Committees

  • Education and Workforce Committee
103 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.

  1. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H2127)

  2. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H926-927)

  3. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E2395-2396)

  4. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H13354-13355)

  5. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H11467)

  6. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1988-1989)

  7. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1598-1599)

  8. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H6726-6727)

  9. Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Youth and Families.

  10. Referred to the House Committee on Economic and Educational.

  11. Introduced in House

  12. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Aug 21, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.739 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.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.739 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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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.R.739 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.R.739 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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