On the recordAugust 1, 1996
I rise today to clarify my intent in offering a second degree amendment to the Cunningham amendment. As a result of my amendment to the manager's amendment, indigenous languages of Native Alaska, native America and the Pacific will be affirmed and exempted from the English-only bill. The Cunningham amendment clarifies that the provisions of the bill do not affect native American languages. Under the Cunningham amendment, however, Native Alaskan is not exempted, and it is not clear which definition of native American is used. My second degree amendment clarifies that the bill does not affect Native Alaskan or native American languages as defined under the Native American Languages Act. My second degree amendment ensures that indigenous languages to the United States are not prohibited from being spoken or written in our communities. The amendment is an affirmation of indigenous languages and their contribution to our society.
Source
govinfo.gov
