Renzi Hails Senate's Passage of Native American Language Preservation Act

Bill will boost nation's Native American Language Immersion Programs WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Rick Renzi (AZ-01) today hailed the U.S. Senate's passage of the Esther Martinez Languages Preservation Act, legislation that would support and strengthen Native American language immersion programs, including language nests, language survival schools, and language restoration programs. "This bill is a tremendous step forward in protecting our Native languages," said Congressman Renzi. "It is imperative that we preserve our first Americans' linguistic and cultural heritage, and provide our Native children with the tools they need to become productive members of their communities." H.R. 4766 would support efforts to preserve Native American languages that are still being spoken in Native communities across the country. The legislation would amend the Native American Programs Act of 1974 to allow the Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans, Department of Heath and Human Services, to award grants to support and strengthen Native American language immersion programs, including language nests, language survival schools, and language restoration programs. The bill passed in the Senate late Wednesday night, and passed in the House in September. The legislation must now be signed by the President before becoming law.