'National Language' vs. 'Common And Unifying Language'??

The other day I was discussing the Senate's Immigration legislation with someone and I proposed a question: How long do you think before English as the National Language legislation is drafted? Neither of us said less than 24 hours.

Via AP:

The Senate first voted 63-34 to make English the national language after lawmakers who led the effort said it would promote national unity.

But critics argued the move would prevent limited English speakers from getting language assistance required by an executive order enacted under President Clinton. So the Senate also voted 58-39 to make English the nation’s “common and unifying language.”

Supporters agreed that both measures are largely symbolic.

The language of the original English Language Amendment (SA 4064 - scroll down until you find 4064 sponsored by Sen. Inhoffe and co-sponsored by several others reads as follows:

The Government of the United States shall preserve and enhance the role of English as the national language of the United States of America. Unless specifically stated in applicable law, no person has a right, entitlement, or claim to have the Government of the United States or any of its officials or representatives act, communicate, perform or provide services, or provide materials in any language other than English. If exceptions are made, that does not create a legal entitlement to additional services in that language or any language other than English. If any forms are issued by the Federal Government in a language other than English (or such forms are completed in a language other than English), the English language version of the form is the sole authority for all legal purposes.

You can find the breakdown of the vote - the amendment passed 63-34 - here.

Indeed an interesting development. Seems to be another way to pacify enough conservatives and hold the bipartisan coalition together and move the legislation forward. While I don't support the English as the National Language Amendment, it seems to be a symbolic gesture. Still, it will be interesting to see to reaction to this development across the country.