Maybe some of the Republicans are finally listening (h/t GottaShoutIt):
On May 18th, 2006, the U.S. Senate approved an amendment offered by Sen. James Inhofe that would make English the national language of the United States. The amendment, offered as part of comprehensive immigration reform legislation, passed by a margin of 63-34. The measure declares that there is no affirmative right to receive services in languages other than English, except where required by federal law. In addition, the measure upholds English as part of U.S. naturalization requirements. (emphasis mine)
According to a 2005 poll by Zogby International, 79 percent of Americans support making English the official language of the United States, including more than two-thirds of Democrats and four-fifths of first- and second-generation Americans. H.R. 997, legislation pending in the U.S. House of Representatives that would make English the official language recently collected its 150th co-sponsor and is one of the most widely supported bills in the 109th Congress.
Sure, there is some play in there, especially the part about “where required by federal law.” However, it is not just symbolic, which is the good news.
Eleven Democrats crossed over to vote for this amendment, including Robert Byrd, which, while I am sure some will make a big deal out of that, West Virginia isn’t exactly immigrant land. The bigger surprise is Sen Nelson (D-Fl), who is from a state with a large hispanic speaking population.
No Republicans voted against.
The 34 who voted against are the usual characters: Clinton, Boxer, Durbin, Feingold, Biden, Feinstein, Kerry, Kennedy, Reid, and Shumer, along with the other America haters. Someone should have lied and told them they were voting to make French, the language of surrender, the official language of the USA.
Others: Hot Air, Sister Toldjah.
