http://CNSNews.com) - Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) is trying once again to make English the official language of the United States. Inhofe's Official English Act of 2007 (S.1335), introduced on Tuesday, would require the use of English in government operations and it would specifically ban foreign language ballots. Inhofe said his bill could save taxpayers up to $2 billion a year.
"This is not just about preserving our culture and heritage, but also about bettering the odds for our nation's newest potential citizens," Inhofe said.
Last year, the Senate passed an Inhofe-sponsored amendment making English the nation's official language, and he predicted similar success this year -- if the stand-alone bill gets a roll-call vote.
Inhofe pointed to recent polls showing that a majority of Americans (and Hispanics) support the proposal.
English First said Inhofe's bill would restore "common sense" to U.S. language policy.
Another advocacy group, ProEnglish, insists that immigrants to this country have a responsibility to learn English.
"Americans need to tell their U.S. Senators to ignore those who are trying to divide our country by language and culture, and respond instead to the vast majority of Americans who want to make English our official language," said ProEnglish Executive Director K.C. McAlpin.
Inhofe's bill is similar to one introduced in the House by Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa).
