0
0

VOTE Act

3/26/2025, 2:08 AM

Summary of Bill HR 2054

Bill 119 hr 2054, also known as the "English Language Unity Act," aims to prohibit states that offer ballots in languages other than English from receiving certain federal funds. The bill argues that English is the official language of the United States and that providing ballots in other languages undermines the importance of English proficiency for citizens participating in federal elections.

If passed, this bill would require all states to only offer ballots in English for federal elections. States that fail to comply with this requirement would risk losing federal funding for various programs. Proponents of the bill argue that this measure would promote unity and ensure that all voters have a common language for voting.

Opponents of the bill argue that it could disenfranchise non-English speaking voters and make it more difficult for them to participate in the democratic process. They also argue that language access is a crucial aspect of ensuring equal voting rights for all citizens. Overall, the English Language Unity Act is a controversial piece of legislation that raises important questions about language access and voting rights in the United States. It remains to be seen how this bill will be received and whether it will ultimately become law.

Congressional Summary of HR 2054

Voting Only Through English Act or the VOTE Act

This bill requires states to use English-only ballots to qualify for certain federal election funds. It also repeals a prohibition on English-only federal elections and eliminates language assistance provisions under the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA). (The VRA requires some jurisdictions to provide materials such as ballots and registration information in English and in other covered languages for voters whose English proficiency is limited. The bill removes these requirements.)

Specifically, the bill prohibits a state from receiving federal election administration funds if the state provides ballots for a federal election that include text in any language other than English.

Current Status of Bill HR 2054

Bill HR 2054 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 11, 2025. Bill HR 2054 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on March 11, 2025.  Bill HR 2054's most recent activity was Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. as of March 11, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 2054

Total Number of Sponsors
3
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
3
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
15
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
15
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 2054

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 2054

To provide that States that provide for an election for Federal office that include text in any language other than English are ineligible to receive certain Federal funds, and for other purposes.
To provide that States that provide for an election for Federal office that include text in any language other than English are ineligible to receive certain Federal funds, and for other purposes.

Comments