WASHINGTON D.C. --There is a bill in the U.S. Congress to declare English as the official language of the United States. The English Language Unity Act requires all official government functions to be conducted in English.
"This type of legislation is mean spirited, has really no place and we don't believe it's going to be going anywhere, " replied David Hinojosa with MALDEF. MALDEF represents the Latino legal voice for civil rights in America.
"We're bilingual and I think if I can speak English and I live here at least you can speak English, " said citizen Harold Moon. The proposed legislation brings with it mixed emotions.
The bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee and it would have to be moved through the Judiciary Committee before it could be considered by the full House. The Chairman of the Judiciary Committee is local Congressman Lamar Smith.
In a statement Congressman Smith told News 4 WOAI, "I support efforts to make English the official language and may consider bringing up the issue in the House Judiciary Committee down the road."
