Joe Cunningham: “I agree with some but not all of the findings of the substitute offered by my friend, the gentleman from New York. I…”

“I agree with some but not all of the findings of the substitute offered by my friend, the gentleman from New York. I know the gentleman is well-intentioned, but his substitute goes in the opposite direction of the bill itself. I would again acknowledge that we are a nation of immigrants, no doubt about it. Our history has been shaped by many cultures, religions, languages from around the world. We are proud of our Nation's ability to assimilate people from around the world in one cohesive society. On that, the gentleman and I agree. But it is our common language that binds us together as a nation, and it is the English language which empowers newcomers to the access of the American dream. First, the substitute states that English is the primary language of the United States. If that is the case, then the opponents should have no problem designating English as the official language in statute. Second, the substitute implies that the supporters of H.R. 124 believe the Nation was founded on racial, ethnic, and religious homogeneity. Not true. We recognize the diversity in this country, and so state in the findings to H.R. 123. Third, the substitute, H.R. 123, recognizes the importance of multilingualism in the context of international relations and national security.”