Language is important in the public life of the United States because of four factors: globalization; the global diffusion of democracy and self-determination; the wave of immigration to the United States from all corners of the world; and the unique role America plays as the sole military and economic superpower. These conditions make it necessary for the United States to maintain a constant capacity in a broad range of languages, as there is no way to know exactly when world events will generate a sudden demand for particular languages. This U.S. role means that more than 65 federal agencies and departments need foreign language speakers to fulfill their mandates; 40,000 American troops will remain stationed in more than 110 nations; and successful exporters need foreign language expertise in order to understand and penetrate foreign markets, an increasingly important segment of the U.S. economy. It is, therefore, important to consider these facts and to ask the right questions about U.S. foreign language requirements, such as the demands, needs, skills, costs, benefits, options, and implications. (KFT)