Expressing support for the recognition of April as "National Language Access Month".

Bill Number

H.Res. 1148

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Government Operations and Politics

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-03-30: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Last Updated

2026-04-28T08:05:54Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 1148) expresses support for designating April as National Language Access Month. It aims to raise awareness about the need for language services—such as translation and interpretation—for people with limited English proficiency (LEP), defined as individuals who speak English less than very well, to ensure equitable access to public services.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes extensive "Whereas" clauses highlighting statistics on LEP populations (e.g., over 25 million people, concentrated in states like California and Texas) and barriers in areas like health care, employment, and law enforcement. It then resolves that the House:

• Supports recognizing April as National Language Access Month.
• Affirms the importance of meaningful language access (effective, culturally competent services) for participation in federal programs.
• Encourages federal agencies, states, local governments, and community organizations to promote awareness of language access rights and resources.
• Urges the public to observe the month with ceremonies, programs, and activities.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• None. This is a non-binding resolution that does not amend laws or create new mandates. It references existing protections, such as Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (bans discrimination by federally funded programs), Executive Order 13166 (requires meaningful access for LEP individuals), and laws on voting, health care, food assistance, and disaster relief.

Potential Impacts

• Minimal direct impacts, as it is symbolic and encourages voluntary actions rather than requiring them.
• Could increase public and governmental awareness, potentially leading to better implementation of existing language services.
• No effects on international relations; focuses on domestic U.S. populations, including immigrants, Asian-Americans, Hispanics, and others with LEP.
• May indirectly benefit access to services in high-LEP areas (e.g., 54% in American Samoa, 20% in California).

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Individuals with LEP: Over 25 million people, including 47% of immigrant adults, with higher rates among Hispanic (32%), Asian-American (30%), and Pacific Islander adults.
• Government agencies: Federal (e.g., FEMA, HHS), state, and local entities providing public services.
• Community organizations and service providers: In health, housing, employment, legal aid, and transportation.
• General public: Encouraged to participate in awareness activities.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Reinforces but does not expand existing anti-discrimination laws; no new enforceable rights or penalties.
• Constitutional: Aligns with equal protection principles under the 14th Amendment by promoting access without favoring any group.
• Political: Bipartisan historical support noted (e.g., Executive Order under multiple presidents); introduced by a diverse group of Democrats and referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Symbolic gesture to celebrate multilingualism and equity.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28]

Cosponsors (33)

Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6], Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13], Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-4], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Min, Dave [D-CA-47], Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4], Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8], Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15], Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-52], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10], Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17], Rep. Bera, Ami [D-CA-6], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Rep. García, Jesús G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4], Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1], Rep. Gomez, Jimmy [D-CA-34], Rep. Takano, Mark [D-CA-39], Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12], Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10], Rep. Rivas, Luz M. [D-CA-29], Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24], Rep. Correa, J. Luis [D-CA-46], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large], Rep. Tran, Derek [D-CA-45], Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-32], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26]

Recent Actions

• 2026-03-30: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
• 2026-03-30: Submitted in House
• 2026-03-30: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Expressing support for the recognition of April as "National Language Access Month". — issued 2026-03-30 — PDF (5 pages)