WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration promised Rep. Ernest Istook on Thursday that it would review federal guidelines the Oklahoma Republican says require states, cities and even nonprofit agencies such as homeless shelters to pay for translators when dealing with those who do not speak or read English.

"We will be looking at it very carefully," said Mitchell E. Daniels, director of the Office of Management and Budget.

Daniels, however, added that President Bush intended to leave in place the executive order that requires the guidelines, an order issued in August by then-President Clinton.

Istook, who heads a House subcommittee on OMB's funding, clearly was not satisfied and told Daniels that leaving the executive order in place while disapproving the guidelines would be "inconsistent."

Meanwhile, he stepped up his attack on the guidelines, which he warns will end up being a costly burden on many groups that may not even know they are covered.

As an example, Istook highlighted the guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation, which he said seem to be directing states to forget about putting highway signs up in English and instead use symbols.

According to a summary attached to one of the guidelines, they are designed to prohibit discrimination against those with limited English proficiency and assure them meaningful access to federal programs.

For example, a homeless person who does not speak English would need help with his language if he showed up at a shelter.

"This policy guidance does not create new obligations but rather, clarifies existing responsibilities under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964," the summary states.

Istook, however, believes the guidelines are much more far- reaching.

"These new rules are a formula for confusion, expense and resentment," the congressman said. "These rules will require a new mountain of red tape, which promises to be a lot taller than the Tower of Babel."

Issued by the various federal agencies as required by Clinton's executive order, the guidelines appear to cover anyone or any group that might do any kind of business with the federal government.

Istook warned that could include a nonprofit group that might want to qualify for a surplus property sale, local governments, tribes and even hospitals.

No one knows, he said, how much providing translators would cost these entities.

"Americans are friendly people, and most try to help anyone who doesn't speak English," Istook said.

"The government shouldn't resort to force, the threat of lawsuits and loss of government business to pressure its own citizens. Yet that's what this policy does. It also overlooks the law that says those who become American citizens are required to read and write simple English."

He pressed Daniels for some kind of commitment to consider rescinding or at least amending the executor order. But Daniels was unwilling to go beyond his commitment to review the responses by the various agencies and report back to Istook's subcommittee.

Jim Myers, World Washington Bureau reporter, can be reached at (202) 484-1424 or via e-mail at jim.myers@tulsaworld.com.

 
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