Brandon Williams: “I do think the bill is disingenuous despite its importance. I do not accuse any of my colleagues of that, but I think…”

“I do think the bill is disingenuous despite its importance. I do not accuse any of my colleagues of that, but I think the bringing of the bill to the floor at this time is, as the American people understand it, motherhood, apple pie, the flag; those are great election year issues. I have been here 18 years, and some Members of Congress bring those issues to the floor just before election. I think that is why this newest motherhood type issue, the traditional wonderful English language, is now being brought to the floor in this form. Of course, a common language encourages unity. People on both sides of the aisle agree with that. There is no argument about that. Of course, a common language promotes efficiency in our vital system, private system and economy. There is no debate about that. Of course, immigrants should learn to speak the English language. That is why 97 percent of the people in this country can speak English or are on a waiting list learning to speak English. So what does this bill achieve? The listening public needs to understand that this bill does not affect spoken language whatsoever.”