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2005 SESSION

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051216452
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 602 Offered January 12, 2005 Prefiled January 5, 2005 Memorializing the Congress of the United States to enact legislation to make English the official language of the United States. ---------- Patron-- Parrish ---------- Referred to Committee on Rules ----------

WHEREAS, English is currently the national language of the United States only by custom, not by law; and

WHEREAS, the United States is comprised of individuals from many ethnic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds, and the nation continues to benefit from this rich diversity; and

WHEREAS, these individuals, while keeping their ethnic backgrounds alive, are urged to take advantage of the educational system that teaches them the English language and American history; and

WHEREAS, throughout the history of the United States, the common thread binding individuals of differing backgrounds has been the English language; and

WHEREAS, in 1996, Virginia enacted legislation to make English the official language of the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, command of the English language is necessary to participate in and take full advantage of the opportunities afforded American citizens; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the Congress of the United States be urged to enact legislation to make English the official language of the United States; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates transmit copies of this resolution to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the President of the United States Senate, and the members of the Virginia Congressional Delegation so that they may be apprised of the sense of the General Assembly of Virginia in this matter.