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U.S. English Chairman Calls English Proficiency Index Report a Call to Action for U.S. Congress

U.S. English Chairman Calls English Proficiency Index Report a Call to Action for U.S. Congress

December 3, 2014

Washington, DC—U.S.English Chairman Mauro E. Mujica today released the following statement in response to the release of the 2014 Education First English Proficiency Index.

Education First, established in 1965, is an international company that focuses on language training. Their report, released annually since 2011, ranks 63 countries and territories on English usage and proficiency.

Among the 2014 report’s findings:

- The prevalence of English as an international language of commerce continues to rise;
- There are strong correlations between English proficiency and income, quality of life, ease of doing business and more;
- There is extensive evidence of foreign governments and private sector companies investing in English language training, for the sake of internationalization and business development;
- Around the globe, government leaders are increasingly creating programs to increase English proficiency, including training for teachers, English schooling requirements and private online classes.

“The latest English Proficiency Index demonstrates just how far behind, in a global scope, the United States government is in encouraging all residents to become proficient in the English language,” Chairman Mujica said. “English continues to spread as the language of success in nations around the world. Yet in a nation where more than 95 percent of residents speak English, the federal government continues to stall when it comes time to recognize English as the official language of the United States.”

Mujica continued, “Declaring English the official language would send a clear message to all individuals residing in the United States: English is crucial to success. While international governments increasingly encourage residents to learn the language of commerce, more than 25 million Americans remain limited English proficient. It is time for the United States Congress to, at long last, enact the English Language Unity Act and recognize the unifying power of English as the common language of the nation—and the world.”

The English Language Unity Act, H.R. 997, was introduced by Rep. Steve King and awaits committee action in the U.S. House of Representatives. The companion bill, S. 464, was introduced by Sen. Jim Inhofe and awaits committee action in the U.S. Senate.

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