Speech #1040254326

I believe that English is part of our heritage and history. and that it should remain the common language of the United States. Today. 96 percent of Americans speak English. and I would like to see this grow. I support efforts to encourage and help new immigrants to learn our language. But H.R. 123 proposes to shut nonEnglish speakers out of so many aspects of life in our society. I am particularly disturbed by its attempt to repeal the multilingual ballot. Minority language assistance has opened up the democratic process to all citizens. and it has increased voter participation among immigrants. Repeal of this provision of the Voting Rights Act only serves to restrict the democratic process and turn this into a nation of exclusion rather than a nation of Inclusion. As has been said many times. America is a nation of immigrants. Diversity of heritage. culture. and language is a source of our strength. The Serrano amendment would permit us to build on this strength. and I urge my colleagues to support it and oppose H.R. 123.