Two representatives signed on as co-sponsors of H.R. 997 yesterday, bringing the total number of co-sponsors of the English Language Unity Act to 126. Rep. Darrell Issa of California and Rep. Nathan Deal of Georgia are the fifth and sixth representatives to become co-sponsors of the measure since Congress returned from recess earlier this month. Last week, four representatives added their names to the bill introduced by Iowa Congressman Steve King.

Currently in his fifth term representing California’s 49th Congressional District, Rep. Darrell Issa is well aware of the need for effective communication in our diverse country. The grandson of immigrants and a U.S. Army captain was previously a co-sponsor of official English legislation in the 109th and 110th Congresses.

Rep. Nathan Deal has been the voice of Georgia’s Ninth Congressional District since 1993. He has been one of the most enthusiastic supporters of official English legislation since coming to Congress, having supported measures to make English the official language in each of his nine terms.

In May 2008, Rep. Issa and Rep. Deal were each honored with an A in English Award from U.S. English, Inc. for their support of official English legislation in the 110th Congress.