Millions of individuals in the United States have limited English proficiency (LEP) , facing significant barriers to accessing vital public services such as health care, employment, and legal assistance. These language barriers contribute to substantial disparities, despite existing legislation like Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which mandate language assistance in federally funded programs. Executive Order 13166 further emphasizes the need for federal agencies to provide "meaningful access" to services for LEP individuals. This resolution seeks to establish April as "National Language Access Month" to raise awareness about these challenges and the importance of language access. It affirms that meaningful language access is crucial for ensuring equitable participation in federal programs and services. The resolution encourages federal agencies, states, local governments, and community organizations to actively promote awareness of language access rights and available resources, and calls upon the public to observe the month with appropriate activities.
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Timeline
Submitted in House
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Submitted in House
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Expressing support for the recognition of April as "National Language Access Month".
USA119th CongressHRES-1148| House
| Updated: 3/30/2026
Millions of individuals in the United States have limited English proficiency (LEP) , facing significant barriers to accessing vital public services such as health care, employment, and legal assistance. These language barriers contribute to substantial disparities, despite existing legislation like Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which mandate language assistance in federally funded programs. Executive Order 13166 further emphasizes the need for federal agencies to provide "meaningful access" to services for LEP individuals. This resolution seeks to establish April as "National Language Access Month" to raise awareness about these challenges and the importance of language access. It affirms that meaningful language access is crucial for ensuring equitable participation in federal programs and services. The resolution encourages federal agencies, states, local governments, and community organizations to actively promote awareness of language access rights and available resources, and calls upon the public to observe the month with appropriate activities.