Two senators are teaming up on a bill to codify language access standards for federal services after the Trump administration revoked a longstanding policy requiring agencies to make services accessible for people with limited English proficiency.
Senators Andy Kim and Mazie Hirono introduced the Language Access for All Act of 2026. The bill would require agencies to ensure individuals with limited English skills can “meaningfully access” federal programs, including through translation and interpreting services.
That had been the federal government’s policy for 25 years under an executive order signed by President Bill Clinton in 2000. But last year, President Trump signed an executive order revoking Clinton’s directive and declaring English as the “official language” of the United States.
“There’s nothing more basic to the purpose of government than to help people,” Kim said in a statement. “From accessing veteran benefits to helping file taxes, no one in our country should be barred from accessing critical assistance or resources because of language barriers. As the Trump administration goes after long-standing translation and language accessibility services, this legislation would make sure no president can stand between the American people and the agencies there to serve them.”
The legislation would also create a public complaint system for people who experience language access barriers to federal programs. It would require agencies to designate a language access coordinator and maintain language accessibility plans.
It would also establish technical standards for language access across government, including for AI and automated communications. The bill would bar agencies from fully replacing qualified translators and interpreters with AI-assisted services.
“In limiting multilingual access to federal resources, the Trump regime’s extreme anti-diversity ideology is preventing millions of American citizens from accessing critical services, including small business loans, Social Security benefits, and Medicare coverage,” Hirono said. “By protecting interpreter and translation services, this legislation ensures that all Americans, no matter what language they speak, can get the services they need.”
Federal News Network (7/15/26) By Justine Doubleday