Skip to main content

Congressman Panetta Introduces Legislation to Expand Educational Opportunities at Defense Language Institute

March 11, 2021

Today, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) announced the introduction of the Defense Language Improvement (DLI) Act. The legislation authorizes the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC) to grant a Bachelor of Arts degree in foreign language to any graduate who fulfills the degree requirements. Currently, DLIFLC may confer an Associate of Arts degree in a foreign language.

"Monterey's Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center offers an unparalleled education in foreign language to our nation's defense and intelligence professionals. My Defense Language Improvement Act would expand DLIFLC's accreditation to provide greater learning opportunities, support recruitment and reenlistment initiatives, and incentivize higher level language learning," said Congressman Panetta. "The legislation would not only strengthen the future of the students and their language proficiency, it also would enhance the performance and reputation of the DLIFLC and the institution's vital role in our community and national security"

Since 1963, DLIFLC has offered high quality foreign language instruction in sixteen languages and dialects as part of the Army Training and Doctrine Command. In addition to culturally based foreign language education, the institute provides training and evaluation to enhance our national security. Located in the Presidio of Monterey, DLIFLC is a multi-service school for active and reserve components and civilian personnel in the federal government.