On August 1, 1996, the House voted on HR 123 TO DECLARE ENGLISH AS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE Of GOVERNMENT OF UNITED STATES.  The measure passed ….  huge.  You are encouraged to read a full explanation of the bill, also cited as the “Bill Emerson English Language Empowerment Act of 1996, at the bottom of this section.

Rick Boucher voted …..  “NO”.

You are invited to visit English First. org.  This is an organization which bills itself as “Fighting for Official English since 1986″.  They rate every member of Congress as to votes regarding their cause.  In VIRGINIA,  Representatives Drake (2nd District), Forbes (4th), Goode (5th), and Goodlatte (6th) received “A” ratings with Cantor (7th), Wolf (10th), and Davis (11th) receiving a rating of “B”.

In the 9th District, RICK BOUCHER was given a rating of ……..   “F”.

It explains that an “F” rating means … “reliable anti-English voter.  Can be counted on to consistently vote against English First issues”.  It goes on to say that an “F” rating also “means an anti-English LEADER”.

Likewise, an organization called US English. org, gave Goodlatte, Cantor, Drake, Forbes, Goode and Wolf  an “A” rating.  RICK BOUCHER ….  “F”.

Does Rick Boucher represent your views on the issue of English being the official language of America?

You be the judge.

In the Act passed in 1996, it states that Congress declares the following:

1.  The United States is comprised of individuals and groups from diverse ethnic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds.

2.  The United States has benefitted and continues to benefit from this rich diversity.

3.  Throughout the history of the United States, the common thread binding individuals of differing backgrounds has been a common language.

4.  In order to preserve unity in diversity, and to prevent division along linguistic lines, the Federal Government should maintain a language common to all people.

5.  English has historically been the common language of opportunity in the United States.

6.  The purpose of this title is to help immigrants better assimilate and take full advantage of economic and occupational opportunities in the United States.

7.  By learning the English language, immigrants will be empowered with the language skills and literacy necessary to become responsible citizens and productive workers in the United States.

8.  The use of a single common language in conducting official business of the Federal Government will promote efficiency and fairness to all people.

9.  English should be recognized in law as the language of official business of the Federal Government.

10.  Any monetary savings derived from the enactment of this title should be used for the teaching of the English language to non-English speaking immigrants.