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“REPEAL OF EXECUTIVE ORDER 13166” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E323 on March 8, 2001.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
REPEAL OF EXECUTIVE ORDER 13166
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HON. BOB STUMP
of arizona
in the house of representatives
Thursday, March 8, 2001
Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, on August 11, 2000, former President Clinton signed Executive Order 13166, ``Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency.''
When signing Executive Order 13166, former President Clinton cited concerns that ``language barriers are preventing the federal government and recipients of federal financial assistance from effectively serving a large number of people in this country.'' His main concern was that those who do not speak English are not able to apply for and receive federal assistance.
Mr. Speaker, Executive Order 13166 requires all federal agencies to examine the services they provide, as well as identify any need for services to those with limited English proficiency (LEP). The Executive Order requires federal agencies to develop and implement a system to provide those services in any language that LEP individuals may speak.
Mr. Speaker, we are already beginning to witness the potential costs associated with the implementation of Executive Order 13166. On January 10, 2001, the Department of Justice released a plan to implement Executive Order 13166. This Departmental plan not only creates new services that the federal goverment must provide, but the plan also imposes a remarkable number of new and costly requirements on every federal agency.
In addition, the Department of Justice has announced plans to develop translations of documents into 30 languages. Now, the Department of Transportation believes that traffic signs in English are problematic. Mr. Speaker, we must stop this tremendous cost burden on the United States taxpayer.
Today, I join several colleagues in introducing legislation to rescind Executive Order 13166. Rescinding this burdensome executive order will not only alleviate a costly mandate on federal agencies, but also protect our great nation from further language barriers.
Implementing Executive Order 13166 will only reinforce language barriers in the United States. Rather than discourage people from leaming English and enjoying the benefits associated with English proficiency, the United States should encourage all individuals united by one government to join in a single language. Executive Order 13166 does not encourage those seeking benefits from developing English proficiency.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the repeal of Executive Order 13166.
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