WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. John Tanner is the co-sponsor of a House resolution that declares the National Anthem should be performed in English only.

House Resolution 793 “affirms that statements of national unity, including the National Anthem, should be recited or sung in English.”

“We feel there should be a unifying voice when performing the anthem that was written to put aside our differences and celebrate our common American values,” Tanner said. “We should honor our similarities by singing ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ in English.”

The resolution acknowledges that American citizens speak and study many different languages but notes that the National Anthem was written in the country’s common language, English. The Immigration and Nationality Act requires that lawful permanent residents of the United States must demonstrate an understanding of the English language.

“While we realize that the United States was founded as a nation of immigrants and that we are all proud of our ancestral heritage,” Tanner said, “we are here as Americans and should share a common language.”

The legislation, which has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee, concludes: “Resolved, That the House of Representatives affirms that statements or songs that symbolize the unity of the Nation, including the National Anthem, the Oath of Allegiance sworn by new United States citizens, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States, should be recited or sung in English, the common language of the United States.”

Tanner represents Tennessee’s 8^th Congressional district.