The fifth measure, H. J. Res. 37, proposes a constitutional amendment to establish English as the official language of the United States. The official English movement has made considerable gains at the state level. Twenty-two states have declared English to be their official language, either by statute or by constitutional amendment. The majority of these declarations have occurred since 1984.
English designations vary in content.
Some consist solely of statements that English is the state s official language, while others are more detailed and include such components as enforcement provisions. Although an affirmation by the Congress of the central place of English in our national life and culture, such a pronouncement would not, of its own force, require or prohibit any particular action or policy by the government or private persons. Nor would it, without more, imply the repeal or modification of existing federal or state laws and regulations sanctioning the use of non-English for various purposes. These bills would also create a private entitlement to communicate with and receive information from the federal government in English and an affirmative obligation on the part of governmental representatives to preserve and enhance the role of English. There may be some unresolved legal issues regarding the operation of the present proposals.