Rep. Panetta Reintroduces Legislation to Expand Public Service Opportunities and National Preparedness

Monterey, CA - United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) reintroduced the bipartisan Inspire to Serve Act, a bipartisan bill designed to reverse the decline in volunteerism, expand access to public service opportunities, and strengthen national preparedness. The legislation would implement key recommendations from the bipartisan National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service, established by Rep. Panetta in the FY17 National Defense Authorization Act, to advance America's core principles of service, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Formal volunteering in the United States has steadily declined since the 2010s, a trend exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Fewer than 30% of Americans over 16 participate in formal volunteerism, with barriers such as time, access, and lack of resources keeping many willing individuals on the sidelines. Meanwhile, nearly half of U.S. adults report experiencing loneliness and isolation, an epidemic that civic engagement and public service can help to address.

"Public service is one of the pillars of our democracy, but too many Americans today lack the opportunity or resources to serve," said Rep. Panetta. "The Inspire to Serve Act would provide the tools and incentives to make service more accessible, whether that means volunteering in local communities, preparing for national challenges, or serving at the federal level. By expanding and modernizing our national service framework, this bipartisan bill would strengthen civic engagement, build community connections, and ensure our country is ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow."

"As someone who served our nation in uniform for nearly 30 years, I'm pleased to support the Inspired to Serve Act of 2025, which represents a comprehensive approach to strengthening our nation's commitment to service," said Rep. Bacon. "This legislation will modernize how we prepare for and respond to national emergencies while creating more accessible pathways for Americans to serve their country through military, national, and public service opportunities. By investing in civic education and streamlining service programs, we're building a stronger, more resilient America for future generations."

The bipartisan Inspire to Serve Act implements the Commission's recommendations by:

• Increasing National Service Opportunities: Expanding the number of national service positions and improving living allowances and stipends.
• Fostering Inclusion: Modernizing personnel policies to provide noncompetitive eligibility for federal employment to national service alumni, and ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce.
• Creating New Pathways: Establishing fellowship programs and demonstration projects to mobilize talent for national challenges.
• Streamlining Accessibility: Simplifying outdated processes to make service programs more user-friendly and accessible to all Americans.
• Strengthening Preparedness: Bolstering mobilization for future public health crises, natural disasters, or other emergencies.

"In 2020, With Honor Action was proud to work with the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service, which culminated in the "Inspired to Serve" report, a blueprint for making service a cornerstone of our democracy," said Rye Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor. "Today, we are proud to endorse the Inspire to Serve Act and applaud Representatives Jimmy Panetta and Don Bacon, the founding Co-Chairs of the For Country Caucus, for carrying on our shared commitment to service in all of its forms."

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