To amend title 4, United States Code, to declare English as the official language of the Government of the United States.
Declaration of Official Language Act of 1997 - Declares English to be the official language of the U.S. Government. States that English is the preferred language of communication among U.S. citizens. Requires the U.S. Government to promote and support the use of English for communications among U.S. citizens. Requires communications by officers and employees of the U.S. Government with U.S. citizens to be in English.
Directs the Immigration and Naturalization Service to: (1) enforce the established English language proficiency standard for all applicants for U.S. citizenship; and (2) conduct all naturalization ceremonies entirely in English.
Allows anyone injured by a violation of such provisions to obtain appropriate relief in a civil action. Authorizes the court in any such action to allow a prevailing party, other than the U.S. Government, a reasonable attorney's fee as part of costs.
Repeals the Bilingual Education Act (title VII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965).
Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to repeal bilingual voting requirements.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to House Education and the Workforce
Referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to House Judiciary
Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Youth and Families.
Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution.
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