House Passes Bill to Ease Veterans’ Path to Trucking Jobs | Transport Topics

[Stay on top of transportation news: Get TTNews in your inbox.]

American Trucking Associations is praising passage in the U.S. House of Representatives of the Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act, which seeks to streamline the process for veterans to obtain a CDL.

The bipartisan bill’s Sept. 25 voice vote passage in the House followed its unanimous approval in the Senate. The bill would ease veterans’ ability to use GI Bill benefits to pursue commercial driving careers.

“When the brave men and women in our armed forces return home, the last thing they should have to worry about is red tape preventing them from achieving the American dream that they fought to defend,” said ATA President Chris Spear. “Improving veterans’ access to CDL programs will open the door of opportunity to good-paying, in-demand jobs in the trucking industry.”

Per an ATA release, under current regulations veterans must wait two years before using their GI Bill benefits at newly opened branches of truck driving schools, even if the primary institution has already been approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and state agencies.

The new legislation eliminates this two-year waiting period, allowing veterans to use their benefits at any new branch immediately, provided the school’s main facility has met approval standards.

The bill was introduced by Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) in the Senate, with Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) and Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) leading the effort in the House.

ATA has been a strong supporter of the bill. The organization argues that the legislation is beneficial for veterans seeking stable employment and helps address workforce challenges in the trucking industry.

RELATED: House Committee Approves TSA Clearance Bill

Spear commended lawmakers for advancing the measure, emphasizing its potential to create a pathway for veterans to transition into trucking careers.

“We are appreciative of the leadership by Senators Fischer and Padilla and Representatives Edwards and Pappas on this important bill, which will help veterans secure rewarding careers and alleviate the truck driver shortage,” Spear said.

The legislation now heads to President Joe Biden’s desk for final approval.

Want more news? Listen to today’s daily briefing below or go here for more info: