An unexpected error occurred while downloading the Voice Control language

Background: Until I downloaded the most recent update, now running Ventura 13.7.1, I was able to use the Voice Control Utility in Accessibility. I use the English voicepack

Problem: When attempting to start Voiceover, I receive the following error: "An unexpected error occurred while downloading the Voice Control language "English (United States)". Try again later."

I can download other language packs, such as Arabic, Italian, or French (at least at first...but read on!). However, the any of the English (Australian, Indian, etc) voicepacks do not work.

Troubleshooting:

• I do not have a VPN.
• Turning on and off the utility and restarting the computer has not fixed this.
• Starting in safe mode has not fixed this.
• Creating a standard test account, logging in, and setting up a brand new Voice Control Utility with French as the initial language has not fixed this.
• Deleting the "Trials" folder in Username-->Library has not fixed this (with and without restarting).
• Changing the default language in General settings and so downloading English as a secondary voicepack (as suggested here: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/254624767?sortBy=rank) has not fixed this.

However, the following fascinating interaction has occurred:

• On my main account I downloaded the Candian French voice pack but not the regular French voicepack.
• When I set up my Test Account, I used French as the main language. I could download French in the Voice Control utility but none of the English packs.
• When I returned to my main account, I could no longer download the French language pack. I received the same error as the English. So something about downloading the file on one account is now interfering with the other.

I am willing to update to 14 (not ready for Sequoia, sorry) but one user in that thread said the problem continued when he updated to Sonoma. I am nervous to reinstall my OS because there is no guarantee that after (n) hours of resetting everything the problem won't persist.

There has to be a solution. So many threads on this problem over the past 4+ end with VPN or Safe Mode. I tried those. Now what?