WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today praised the U.S. Senate for its passage of a resolution on singing the National Anthem in English.

The resolution states that official statements of national pride and unity like the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance should be said in English.

“With immigration at the forefront of the national debate, I have heard from many constituents, who agree that our nation is one of immigrants from many backgrounds,” Senator Roberts said. “When new members of our communities earn the right to take the oath of American citizenship, they unite in swearing that oath in English.”

The Senate unanimously passed the resolution last night and Rep. Jim Ryun (R-KS) introduced a similar resolution in the House.

Senator Roberts said, “While this resolution does not prohibit translations, it does make the statement that no matter where we are from, together, we celebrate our nation in a common language, English.”

The resolution, S. Res.458, was introduced by Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and co-sponsored by Senator Roberts.