English

Jones co-sponsors English-only bill

ryanteaguebeckwith — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 12:40:25 -0500

U.S. Rep. Walter Jones wants the federal government to only offer help in English.

The Farmville Republican is co-sponsoring a bill that would repeal an executive order requiring federal agencies to translate documents and provide interpreters for non-native speakers.

"It is important for people living in the United States to speak and understand English," he said in a Feb. 14 statement. "A common language is what makes a nation one."

Jones used identical language in a Dec. 14 statement on a separate bill that would allow employers to require workers only speak English at work.

The Washington Daily News reports that Beaufort County, which is in Jones' district, recently voted 4-3 along party lines to remove foreign-language options from all county phone systems. At least one commissioner applauded Jones' move.

Vote early, in English

ryanteaguebeckwith — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 08:38:22 -0400

A bill to allow voters to register the weekend before an election passed the Senate.

During debate Wednesday, Senate Republican Leader Phil Berger proposed an amendment that would require ballots and registration forms for early voters be printed in English.

After the amendment passed, Democrats cut off debate and passed the bill, 33-15. Four Republicans — Sens. Stan Bingham, Pete Brunstetter, Fletcher Hartsell and Richard Stevens — joined Democrats in voting for the bill.

Bob Hall, research director for the campaign finance reform group Democracy North Carolina, said the English-only rule would discourage U.S. citizens who prefer Spanish.

"It's like they're trying to score political points," Hall said. "It's all political posturing." (AP)

English only

bkrueger — Wed, 23 May 2007 13:47:26 -0400

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole wants to make English the national language of the United States.

Dole's office released a statement this afternoon saying she is co-sponsoring an amendment to the immigration reform bill to prohibit the federal government from communicating or providing services in any language other than English.

“More than 322 different languages are spoken by people in this country, and it would be fiscally irresponsible and impractical for our government to provide services in all of these languages,” the Salisbury Republican said in the statement.

“Making English our national language will not only eliminate waste and duplication within our government, it will unite all Americans by providing a common form of communication. In addition, immigrants must be proficient in English to maximize their employment and economic opportunities in this country.”

Dole opposes the immigration reform legislation.