H. J. RES. 37

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States establishing English as the official language of the United States.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

February 4, 1997

Mr. DOOLITTLE introduced the following joint resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

JOINT RESOLUTION

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States establishing English as the official language of the United States.

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled (two-thirds of each House concurring therein), That the following article is proposed as an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which shall be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the Constitution when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years after the date of its submission for ratification:

`Article--

`SECTION 1. The English language shall be the official language of the United States. As the official language, the English language shall be used for all public acts including every order, resolution, vote or election, and for all records and judicial proceedings of the Government of the United States and the governments of the several States.

`SECTION 2. The Congress and the States shall enforce this article by appropriate legislation.'