H.R. 1772 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Education and 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, Mar 3, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryEstablishes English as official U.S. language
This bill would make English the official language for how the federal government, states, and D.C. conduct their official business. There are some exceptions—like when government needs to protect public health and safety, help crime victims or defendants, or follow special education laws. The bill would also set up a system to test English ability as part of the citizenship process.
How it affects you
If you're going through naturalization to become a U.S. citizen, you'd need to demonstrate English language ability as part of that process. For most people in everyday interactions with government, the main changes would depend on which services currently use multiple languages in your area. The summary doesn't spell out exactly how this would change what services are available to people who speak other languages.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Mar 3, 2025)
Designation of English as the Official Language of the United States Act of 2025
This bill establishes English as the official language of the United States.
The bill specifies that the official functions of government in the United States, including in each state and the District of Columbia, shall be conducted in English. Exceptions to this requirement include (1) actions or documents to protect the public health or safety, (2) actions or documents that protect the rights of victims of crimes or criminal defendants, and (3) requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
The bill also establishes a framework for implementation and enforcement, including by testing English language ability as part of the naturalization process.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 1772
A BILL
Designation of English as the Official Language of the United States Act of 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Robert B. Aderholt (R-AL-4) · Introduced Mar 3, 2025 · Government Operations and Politics · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Mar 3, 2025: “Referred to the Committee on Education and 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.”