Veterans' Transition to Trucking Act of 2025

Floor Speech

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Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2954) to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to approve multi-State apprenticeship programs for purposes of veterans educational assistance, and for other purposes, as amended.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 2954

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans' Transition to Trucking Act of 2025''. SEC. 2. AUTHORIZATION FOR SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO APPROVE MULTI-STATE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS PROVIDED BY COMMERCIAL TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOLS FOR PURPOSES OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

Section 3672(c)(1) of title 38, United States Code, is amended--

(1) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C);

(2) in subparagraph (A), in the matter before clause (i), by striking ``The State'' and inserting ``Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the State''; and

(3) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph (B):

``(B) The Secretary may act in the role of a State approving agency for purposes of approval of a multi-State apprenticeship program provided by a commercial truck driving school.''.

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Mr. BOST. 2954, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2954, as amended, offered by my colleagues, the gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. Pappas) and the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Kiggans).

This bill, as amended, would allow the VA to approve the commercial driver's license apprenticeship program that operates in more than one State.

This bill would cut the red tape and stop an interstate company from having to seek approval in every State they operate in.

This bill would also allow more veterans to pursue careers in the trucking industry.

I come from a trucking family. As a former driver and a manager and operator of the family trucking business, I know how important it is to have qualified drivers. Trust me, I know.

The American Trucking Institute publishes a report that shows there is a shortage of 82,000 drivers and an anticipated shortage of 160,000 drivers by 2031. This bill would allow veterans to meet the demand by using their education benefits through the VA apprenticeship programs.

I am supportive of the intent of this bill as we must ensure that veterans find meaningful employment, while meeting the demand of an important industry in our Nation's economy. My committee will continue to seek ways to help create meaningful employment for veterans and streamlining veterans' programs.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R.

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Mr. BOST. I have no further speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, once again, I encourage all Members to support this legislation. Let the veterans and the truckers roll.

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