Renzi Hails Native Language Preservation Passage

U.S. Rep. Rick Renzi (AZ-01) has hailed the U.S. Senate's passage of the Esther Martinez Languages Preservation Act.

"This bill is a tremendous step forward in protecting our Native languages," said Congressman Renzi. "It is imperative that we preserve our 1st Americans' linguistic and cultural heritage, & 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, Dept. of Heath & Human Services, to award grants to support & strengthen Native American language immersion programs, including language nests, survival schools, & restoration programs.

The bill passed in the Senate late Wed. night, & passed in the House in Sept. The legislation must now be signed by the President before becoming law.