On Thursday, U.S. Representatives from both sides of the aisle joined forces to introduce a bill that could ease veterans’ paths to obtaining commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). The new legislation seeks to reduce bureaucratic challenges they may face while using GI benefits for CDL education programs.
The bipartisan bill is led by U.S. Reps. Chuck Edwards (R-North Carolina) and Chris Pappas (D-New Hampshire). Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Virginia) is an original cosponsor alongside Rep. Eli Crane (R-Arizona). A companion bill is led in the U.S. Senate by U.S. Sens. Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska) and Alex Padilla (D-California).
At this time, existing laws can create a roadblock for approved trucking schools that open secondary facilities in new locations. In this scenario, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and state regulators are required to deny the secondary location the ability to receive GI benefits for two years.
The Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act could be the answer to providing veterans with better access to CDL schools. This bill seeks to exempt new branches of established commercial driver-training facilities from a two-year moratorium statute, enabling veterans more opportunities for high quality job training and potentially setting them on a path towards lucrative careers in the industry.
The bill would require CDL schools to adhere to state and VA guidelines on curriculum standards, in order to safeguard veterans from potential exploitation and illegitimate programs.
Veterans, labor groups, and leading figures in the trucking industry have come together to endorse the bill. Among those offering their support are the American Trucking Associations, International Brotherhood of Teamsters; Commercial Vehicle Training Association; Nebraska Trucking Association.
“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 realizing the American dream that they fought to defend,” said Chris Spear, President & CEO, ATA. “Improving veterans’ access to CDL programs will open the door of opportunity to good-paying, in-demand jobs in the trucking industry.”
Source: CCJDigital
