1. Short title This Act may be cited as the English Language Unity Act of 2017 . 2. Findings Congress finds and declares the following: (1) The United States is comprised of individuals from diverse ethnic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds, and continues to benefit from this rich diversity. (2) Throughout the history of the United States, the common thread binding individuals of differing backgrounds has been the English language. (3) Among the powers reserved to the States respectively is the power to establish the English language as the official language of the respective States, and otherwise to promote the English language within the respective States, subject to the prohibitions enumerated in the Constitution of the United States and in laws of the respective States. 3. English as official language of the United States (a) In general Title 4, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 6 Official language 161. Official language of the United States The official language of the United States is English. 162. Preserving and enhancing the role of the official language Representatives of the Federal Government shall have an affirmative obligation to preserve and enhance the role of English as the official language of the Federal Government. Such obligation shall include encouraging greater opportunities for individuals to learn the English language. 163. Official functions of Government to be conducted in English (a) Scope For the purposes of this section— (1) the term official refers to any function that— (A) binds the Government; (B) is required by law; or (C) is otherwise subject to scrutiny by either the press or the public; and (2) the term United States means the several States and the District of Columbia. (b) Official functions The official functions of the Government of the United States shall be conducted in English. (c) Practical effect This section— (1) shall apply to all laws, public proceedings, regulations, publications, orders, actions, programs, and policies