IV 
109TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. RES. 122 
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the study 
of languages and supporting the designation of a Year of Languages. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
FEBRUARY 17, 2005 
Mr. HOLT (for himself and Mr. TIBERI) submitted the following resolution; 
which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce 
RESOLUTION 
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regard-
ing the study of languages and supporting the designa-
tion of a Year of Languages. 
Whereas the people of the United States have growing social, 
cultural, and economic ties to the international commu-
nity that present new challenges as the United States 
seeks to communicate with and understand international 
partners from different language and cultural back-
grounds; 
Whereas communities across the United States are welcoming 
many new neighbors, friends, employees, and citizens 
from many countries throughout the world; 
Whereas increased language learning is a critical national in-
terest and is necessary to maintain the economic edge the 
United States has in the worldwide marketplace;
•HRES 122 IH 
Whereas developing a workforce that is skilled in languages 
and cultural understanding is vital for conducting inter-
national commerce; 
Whereas both the 2000 Cox Commission and the National In-
telligence Council have reported that a shortfall of ex-
perts in foreign languages, particularly the languages of 
Asia and the Middle East, has seriously hampered infor-
mation gathering and analysis within the intelligence 
community of the United States; 
Whereas studying other languages has been shown to con-
tribute to increased cognitive skills, better academic per-
formance, and a greater understanding of others, while 
also providing life-long learning opportunities; 
Whereas language education in the 21st century includes a 
commitment to the study of long sequences of world lan-
guages, beginning in early grades and continuing 
throughout the academic career of an individual, in order 
to develop the levels of proficiency needed to effectively 
communicate with people from other cultures at home 
and abroad; and 
Whereas the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign 
Languages, along with its affiliate organizations, is urg-
ing the public to support increased language education 
for students, which will expand the cultural and literary 
horizons of adult learners and strengthen the position 
and security of the United States throughout the world: 
Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Rep-
resentatives that—
•HRES 122 IH 
(1) the study of languages contributes to the in-
tellectual and social development of a student and 
the economy and security of the United States; 
(2) there should be a Year of Languages in the 
United States, during which language study is pro-
moted and expanded in elementary schools, sec-
ondary schools, institutions of higher education, 
businesses, and government programs; and 
(3) the President should issue a proclamation 
calling upon the people of the United States to— 
(A) encourage and support initiatives to 
promote and expand the study of languages; 
and 
(B) observe a Year of Languages with ap-
propriate ceremonies, programs, and other ac-
tivities. 
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