What are the language requirements for U.S. citizenship?

[Jeanfromfillmore]

Congress Q&A: Immigration
What are the language requirements for U.S. citizenship? I have heard that you are required to speak, read, and write in English and also I have heard that you can take the test in Spanish. Exactly what are the requirements?" One of the requirements for U.S. citizenship is to take a naturalization test, which involves demonstrating the ability to read, write, and speak basic English.
According to the Immigration and Naturalization Service, applicants must read and write "one sentence out of three sentences correctly in English." The ability to speak English is determined during an interview concerning the immigrant’s naturalization application.
The test also includes sections on U.S. history and civics.
There are some exceptions and modifications in the naturalization requirements for certain individuals, however. If a immigrant is age 50 or older and has lived as a permanent resident (green card holder) in the U.S. for 20 years or is age 55 or older and has lived as a permanent resident in the U.S. for 15 years, that person is exempt from the English language requirement and may take the civics test in his or her native language.
Immigrants with a physical or development disability or mental impairment may also qualify for an exception.
"What do congressmen/women pay for with their salaries? For example do they pay for their own travel and lodging expenses?" — Laura Rincon
Members pay for their own lodging in Washington and at home with their salaries, or other personal funds. But travel by a member or a member’s employees to the district from which the member is elected is considered reimbursable official travel.
During each session of Congress, each member of the House is allocated a Members’ Representational Allowance (MRA) to support official and representational duties. The average MRA for House members was $1.5 million in 2010.
Senators also receive allowances to cover official expenses, with the average allocation in 2010 coming to $3.3 million per member.
Expenses incurred in running both Washington and district offices are reimbursable through these allowances. Covered expenses include many of the costs of running an office for any business, such as decoration, news services, messenger services, photography expenses, office supplies, postage and telecommunications, as well as the cost of rent for office space in the member’s district.
Members can also seek reimbursement for expenses necessary to facilitate town hall meetings. Expenses related to social activities or events are not reimbursable, however.
Most members of the House and Senate currently make $174,000 a year. While some members may earn income outside of their position in Congress, certain types of outside earned income are prohibited.
Members may accept free travel from outside organizations, however, with some exceptions, as long as it meets a series of requirements, is pre-approved by the House and Senate ethics committees and the details of the trip are disclosed.
http://www.congress.org/news/2011/04...qa_immigration