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GUARD VA Benefits Act

USA119th CongressHR-1732| House 
| Updated: 3/18/2026
Chris Pappas

Chris Pappas

Democratic Representative

New Hampshire

Cosponsors (121)
Kim Schrier (Democratic)April McClain Delaney (Democratic)David Kustoff (Republican)Marcy Kaptur (Democratic)Laura Friedman (Democratic)Jared F. Golden (Democratic)Gilbert Ray Cisneros (Democratic)Kelly Morrison (Democratic)Mikie Sherrill (Democratic)Gabe Amo (Democratic)Robin L. Kelly (Democratic)Shomari Figures (Democratic)Raúl M. Grijalva (Democratic)Robert Garcia (Democratic)Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Democratic)Mark Pocan (Democratic)Robert Menendez (Democratic)Jennifer L. McClellan (Democratic)Gabe Vasquez (Democratic)Ed Case (Democratic)Christopher R. Deluzio (Democratic)Emanuel Cleaver (Democratic)Raul Ruiz (Democratic)Jefferson Van Drew (Republican)Joe Courtney (Democratic)Ilhan Omar (Democratic)Greg Landsman (Democratic)Pablo Jose Hernández (Democratic)Claudia Tenney (Republican)James R. Walkinshaw (Democratic)Troy A. Carter (Democratic)Eugene Simon Vindman (Democratic)Steven Horsford (Democratic)Maxine Dexter (Democratic)Eric Swalwell (Democratic)Dina Titus (Democratic)Debbie Dingell (Democratic)Melanie A. Stansbury (Democratic)Steve Cohen (Democratic)Suzan K. DelBene (Democratic)Scott H. Peters (Democratic)Andrea Salinas (Democratic)Angie Craig (Democratic)Delia C. Ramirez (Democratic)Donald G. Davis (Democratic)Janelle S. Bynum (Democratic)Greg Casar (Democratic)Haley M. Stevens (Democratic)Dave Min (Democratic)Shri Thanedar (Democratic)Frank J. Mrvan (Democratic)Jake Auchincloss (Democratic)Dan Newhouse (Republican)Greg Stanton (Democratic)Thomas H. Kean (Republican)Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (Democratic)Don Bacon (Republican)Nikki Budzinski (Democratic)André Carson (Democratic)John B. Larson (Democratic)Joaquin Castro (Democratic)Stephen F. Lynch (Democratic)Mark DeSaulnier (Democratic)Jill N. Tokuda (Democratic)Emilia Strong Sykes (Democratic)Hillary J. Scholten (Democratic)Sara Jacobs (Democratic)Marilyn Strickland (Democratic)Suhas Subramanyam (Democratic)Daniel S. Goldman (Democratic)Jahana Hayes (Democratic)Morgan McGarvey (Democratic)Raja Krishnamoorthi (Democratic)Adelita S. Grijalva (Democratic)Brittany Pettersen (Democratic)Pramila Jayapal (Democratic)Charles J. "Chuck" Fleischmann (Republican)Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democratic)Val T. Hoyle (Democratic)Brad Sherman (Democratic)Mary Gay Scanlon (Democratic)Wesley Bell (Democratic)Timothy M. Kennedy (Democratic)Salud O. Carbajal (Democratic)Jim Costa (Democratic)Joe Neguse (Democratic)Mike Quigley (Democratic)Diana DeGette (Democratic)Eric Sorensen (Democratic)Janice D. Schakowsky (Democratic)Pete Stauber (Republican)James P. McGovern (Democratic)Dale W. Strong (Republican)Maggie Goodlander (Democratic)William R. Keating (Democratic)Johnny Olszewski (Democratic)Seth Magaziner (Democratic)Sarah McBride (Democratic)Rick Larsen (Democratic)Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican)Bennie G. Thompson (Democratic)Deborah K. Ross (Democratic)Seth Moulton (Democratic)Burgess Owens (Republican)Lizzie Fletcher (Democratic)Russ Fulcher (Republican)Josh Gottheimer (Democratic)Nanette Diaz Barragán (Democratic)Michael Lawler (Republican)Jason Crow (Democratic)Teresa Leger Fernandez (Democratic)Harold Rogers (Republican)Grace Meng (Democratic)Rashida Tlaib (Democratic)Bradley Scott Schneider (Democratic)Herbert C. Conaway (Democratic)Gerald E. Connolly (Democratic)Lauren Underwood (Democratic)Chellie Pingree (Democratic)Mike Levin (Democratic)Judy Chu (Democratic)

Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee, Veterans' Affairs Committee, Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill, titled the "Designation of English as the Official Language of the United States Act of 2025," aims to declare English as the official language of the United States. It amends Title 4 of the U.S. Code to establish that the official language is English and places an affirmative obligation on federal government representatives to preserve and enhance its role, including encouraging greater opportunities for individuals to learn English. All official functions of the U.S. Government are to be conducted in English, applying to laws, public proceedings, regulations, and policies. However, the bill includes several exceptions to the English-only requirement, such as for the teaching of languages, requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, actions necessary for national security or international relations, and actions protecting public health and safety or the rights of crime victims. Furthermore, it establishes a uniform English language rule for naturalization , requiring all citizens to be able to read and understand the English text of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and U.S. laws. All naturalization ceremonies must also be conducted in English, and the Secretary of Homeland Security is directed to issue regulations for uniform English language testing for naturalization candidates, with exceptions limited to extraordinary circumstances like asylum.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-8736
GUARD VA Benefits Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-1139
GUARD VA Benefits Act
Feb 27, 2025
Introduced in House
Feb 27, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, 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.
Mar 27, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
Mar 18, 2026
Committee Hearings Held
Mar 18, 2026
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Discharged
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-8736
    GUARD VA Benefits Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-1139
    GUARD VA Benefits Act


  • February 27, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • February 27, 2025
    Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, 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.


  • March 27, 2025
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.


  • March 18, 2026
    Committee Hearings Held


  • March 18, 2026
    Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Discharged

Armed Forces and National Security

Civil actions and liabilityFraud offenses and financial crimesUser charges and feesVeterans' pensions and compensation

GUARD VA Benefits Act

USA119th CongressHR-1732| House 
| Updated: 3/18/2026
This bill, titled the "Designation of English as the Official Language of the United States Act of 2025," aims to declare English as the official language of the United States. It amends Title 4 of the U.S. Code to establish that the official language is English and places an affirmative obligation on federal government representatives to preserve and enhance its role, including encouraging greater opportunities for individuals to learn English. All official functions of the U.S. Government are to be conducted in English, applying to laws, public proceedings, regulations, and policies. However, the bill includes several exceptions to the English-only requirement, such as for the teaching of languages, requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, actions necessary for national security or international relations, and actions protecting public health and safety or the rights of crime victims. Furthermore, it establishes a uniform English language rule for naturalization , requiring all citizens to be able to read and understand the English text of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and U.S. laws. All naturalization ceremonies must also be conducted in English, and the Secretary of Homeland Security is directed to issue regulations for uniform English language testing for naturalization candidates, with exceptions limited to extraordinary circumstances like asylum.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-8736
GUARD VA Benefits Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-1139
GUARD VA Benefits Act
Feb 27, 2025
Introduced in House
Feb 27, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, 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.
Mar 27, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
Mar 18, 2026
Committee Hearings Held
Mar 18, 2026
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Discharged
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-8736
    GUARD VA Benefits Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-1139
    GUARD VA Benefits Act


  • February 27, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • February 27, 2025
    Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, 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.


  • March 27, 2025
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.


  • March 18, 2026
    Committee Hearings Held


  • March 18, 2026
    Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Discharged
Chris Pappas

Chris Pappas

Democratic Representative

New Hampshire

Cosponsors (121)
Kim Schrier (Democratic)April McClain Delaney (Democratic)David Kustoff (Republican)Marcy Kaptur (Democratic)Laura Friedman (Democratic)Jared F. Golden (Democratic)Gilbert Ray Cisneros (Democratic)Kelly Morrison (Democratic)Mikie Sherrill (Democratic)Gabe Amo (Democratic)Robin L. Kelly (Democratic)Shomari Figures (Democratic)Raúl M. Grijalva (Democratic)Robert Garcia (Democratic)Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Democratic)Mark Pocan (Democratic)Robert Menendez (Democratic)Jennifer L. McClellan (Democratic)Gabe Vasquez (Democratic)Ed Case (Democratic)Christopher R. Deluzio (Democratic)Emanuel Cleaver (Democratic)Raul Ruiz (Democratic)Jefferson Van Drew (Republican)Joe Courtney (Democratic)Ilhan Omar (Democratic)Greg Landsman (Democratic)Pablo Jose Hernández (Democratic)Claudia Tenney (Republican)James R. Walkinshaw (Democratic)Troy A. Carter (Democratic)Eugene Simon Vindman (Democratic)Steven Horsford (Democratic)Maxine Dexter (Democratic)Eric Swalwell (Democratic)Dina Titus (Democratic)Debbie Dingell (Democratic)Melanie A. Stansbury (Democratic)Steve Cohen (Democratic)Suzan K. DelBene (Democratic)Scott H. Peters (Democratic)Andrea Salinas (Democratic)Angie Craig (Democratic)Delia C. Ramirez (Democratic)Donald G. Davis (Democratic)Janelle S. Bynum (Democratic)Greg Casar (Democratic)Haley M. Stevens (Democratic)Dave Min (Democratic)Shri Thanedar (Democratic)Frank J. Mrvan (Democratic)Jake Auchincloss (Democratic)Dan Newhouse (Republican)Greg Stanton (Democratic)Thomas H. Kean (Republican)Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (Democratic)Don Bacon (Republican)Nikki Budzinski (Democratic)André Carson (Democratic)John B. Larson (Democratic)Joaquin Castro (Democratic)Stephen F. Lynch (Democratic)Mark DeSaulnier (Democratic)Jill N. Tokuda (Democratic)Emilia Strong Sykes (Democratic)Hillary J. Scholten (Democratic)Sara Jacobs (Democratic)Marilyn Strickland (Democratic)Suhas Subramanyam (Democratic)Daniel S. Goldman (Democratic)Jahana Hayes (Democratic)Morgan McGarvey (Democratic)Raja Krishnamoorthi (Democratic)Adelita S. Grijalva (Democratic)Brittany Pettersen (Democratic)Pramila Jayapal (Democratic)Charles J. "Chuck" Fleischmann (Republican)Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democratic)Val T. Hoyle (Democratic)Brad Sherman (Democratic)Mary Gay Scanlon (Democratic)Wesley Bell (Democratic)Timothy M. Kennedy (Democratic)Salud O. Carbajal (Democratic)Jim Costa (Democratic)Joe Neguse (Democratic)Mike Quigley (Democratic)Diana DeGette (Democratic)Eric Sorensen (Democratic)Janice D. Schakowsky (Democratic)Pete Stauber (Republican)James P. McGovern (Democratic)Dale W. Strong (Republican)Maggie Goodlander (Democratic)William R. Keating (Democratic)Johnny Olszewski (Democratic)Seth Magaziner (Democratic)Sarah McBride (Democratic)Rick Larsen (Democratic)Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican)Bennie G. Thompson (Democratic)Deborah K. Ross (Democratic)Seth Moulton (Democratic)Burgess Owens (Republican)Lizzie Fletcher (Democratic)Russ Fulcher (Republican)Josh Gottheimer (Democratic)Nanette Diaz Barragán (Democratic)Michael Lawler (Republican)Jason Crow (Democratic)Teresa Leger Fernandez (Democratic)Harold Rogers (Republican)Grace Meng (Democratic)Rashida Tlaib (Democratic)Bradley Scott Schneider (Democratic)Herbert C. Conaway (Democratic)Gerald E. Connolly (Democratic)Lauren Underwood (Democratic)Chellie Pingree (Democratic)Mike Levin (Democratic)Judy Chu (Democratic)

Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee, Veterans' Affairs Committee, Judiciary Committee

Armed Forces and National Security

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Civil actions and liabilityFraud offenses and financial crimesUser charges and feesVeterans' pensions and compensation