Rep. Steve King Introduces Amendment To Defund Translation Costs In Government

ProEnglish thanks Rep. Steve King for introducing an amendment to H.R. 5485 to defund translation costs associated with President Clinton’s Executive Order 13166.

Executive Order 13166, also known as “Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency,” states that any entity which receives federal funds must provide whatever services it offers in any foreign language spoken by anyone likely to receive those services.

Signed by President Clinton on August 11, 2000, the order directs all federal agencies to draft plans to “improve access to federally conducted or federally assisted programs for persons who, as a result of national origin, are limited in their English proficiency.”

This executive order gives the United States hundreds of all-but-official languages.

Fortunately, the English language has a staunch advocate in the House of Representatives. Rep. Steve King has not only introduced an amendment H.R. 5485 effectively restricting funds to E.O. 13166, he also introduced the English Language Unity Act (H.R. 997) to make English the official language of the United States.