AMENDMENT WOULD PROMOTE CONDUCT OF OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT BUSINESS IN ENGLISH

Washington, Jun 29, 2006 - "I believe that we should promote the use of English in conducting official government business," stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala).  "This amendment would end the federal mandate that forces states, counties, cities, and towns to provide ballots in foreign languages. If a government entity wishes to provide foreign language ballots, they could continue to do so.  However, there are effective alternatives to foreign language ballots; a voter could bring an interpreter, a friend, or family member.  In my opinion, this mandate exacerbates isolation and segregation.  If individuals are not nudged by the circumstances of daily living - including voting - to get out and master the basics of the English language, then they are denied all the rich opportunities that life in this great nation offers up."

Since 1975, the Bilingual Election Assistance Provisions of the Voting Rights Act have forced States and political subdivisions to accommodate multiple languages at the polls.  This assistance might be in the form of translated printing materials, or state-provided interpreters.  The provisions prohibit states from providing voting materials only in the English language, if triggered by certain US Census data thresholds. The Stearns' amendment would defund Bilingual Election Assistance Provisions contained in the Voting Rights Act.  It was offered during consideration of H.R. 5672, the Science, State, Justice, Commerce, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.  The amendment failed last night on a vote of 254-167.