Rep. Panetta Leads Bipartisan Effort to Safeguard Military Language Training

Monterey, CA - U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) authored and introduced the Fluent Forces Act, bipartisan legislation to protect and strengthen language training at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC) in Monterey. The bill comes in response to recent Defense Department budget changes that threaten long-standing language programs critical to military readiness, intelligence, and diplomacy. Co-leading this bipartisan effort are Reps. Jen Kiggans (VA-02) and Tony Gonzales (TX-23).

Since World War II, the United States has relied on language-proficient servicemembers to support intelligence, counterterrorism, diplomacy, and multinational military operations. DLIFLC was established to meet that need and remains the premier Department of Defense institution for foreign language instruction and cultural education. However, recent funding cuts and resource reallocations now put the future of these programs, and the pipeline of trained linguists, at risk.

The Fluent Forces Act would protect the future of military language education by reaffirming the value of language and cultural training, requiring annual reporting on student recruitment efforts, and promoting new, coordinated strategies across military branches to build a pipeline of skilled linguists. The legislation would ensure continued investment in language readiness as a national security priority.

"As the Department of Defense shifts funding away from language training, we risk losing our human edge in intelligence and diplomacy," said Rep. Panetta. "The Fluent Forces Act would ensure we invest in training fluent military linguists and culturally competent officers by protecting DLIFLC and strengthening recruitment. Preserving these skills is essential to safeguarding our national security in today's increasingly complex global landscape."

"As a Navy veteran and member of the Armed Services Committee, I've seen the operational value of military linguists up close-from building trust with foreign partners to gathering critical intelligence in complex environments," said Rep. Kiggans. "The Fluent Forces Act is about restoring that edge. By strengthening language training, recruiting future linguists, and promoting cross-branch collaboration, we're ensuring our servicemembers are better prepared for today's missions and tomorrow's threats. This is a smart, bipartisan investment in readiness, deterrence, and our national defense."

"As a retired Naval cryptologist I served with brave men and women who helped us win wars through their ability to translate the most complex languages," said Rep. Gonzales. "Building up our defense priorities means being prepared on all fronts. By strengthening language training and recruiting linguists across our military branches, our troops will be more prepared for winning the next war. In my district, Lackland Air Force Base has been providing language services to support our national security missions since 1964. The Fluent Forces Act will expand services like this across the nation. I'm looking forward to joining forces with Congressman Jimmy Panetta and Congresswoman Jen Kiggans to get this legislation across the finish line in the U.S. House of Representatives."

"Language and cultural fluency are not luxuries in today's security environment-they are mission-critical assets. The Fluent Forces Act is a smart, bipartisan step toward building the next generation of military leaders who can operate effectively across languages and cultures. From intelligence gathering to coalition operations, servicemembers with these skills save lives, build trust with our allies, and advance U.S. interests abroad. We commend For Country Caucus members Reps. Jimmy Panetta and Jen Kiggans for leading on this critical issue. Their bipartisan leadership strengthens our national security and reflects the kind of principled service that puts country over party," said Rye Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor Action.

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