WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement today after the U.S. Senate unanimously approved her Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act.
The legislation, which was co-led by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), ensures that veterans’ GI benefits can be utilized at new branches of commercial driving program (CDL) schools whose primary institutions have already received regulatory approval.
Currently, if an approved trucking school opens a secondary facility in a new location, existing laws require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and state regulators to deny the branch’s ability to receive GI benefits for two years.
“I’m glad to see our bipartisan legislation to support veterans pass the Senate with unanimous support. Trucking is a vital part of our economy, yet unnecessary red tape continues to prevent some veterans from utilizing their GI benefits in the industry. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House to get this legislation to the President’s desk,” said Senator Fischer.
Senator Fischer led the introduction of the legislation in March. The bill now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives, where it is being led by U.S. Representative Chuck Edwards (NC-11).
The bill has received endorsements from:
Veteran Service Organizations: American Legion, Moving Veterans Forward, Student Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Great Plains Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Nebraska Military Officers Association of America
Labor: International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Industry: Werner Trucking, American Trucking Association, Commercial Vehicle Training Association, Nebraska Trucking Association, North Carolina Trucking Association, American Road and Transportation Builders Association, and Home Depot
Background
The trucking industry is currently facing a shortage of 80,000 drivers, with some estimates showing that number could reach 160,000 by 2030. Trucking shortages have a ripple effect across our nation’s supply chains, worsening bottle necks and delaying delivery times.
It is estimated that 8,400 commercial driving programs are approved for use by eligible veterans under the GI bill.
The Fischer-Padilla legislation would ensure CDL schools that offer courses at new branches do not have to wait two years if the primary institution has been approved by the VA and State Approving Agencies to receive GI benefits. By clarifying this two-year moratorium statute, the bill will allow veterans more accessibility to nearby CDL schools and ultimately to high-paying careers in the industry.
CDL schools must still comply with state and VA rules regarding curriculum standards to ensure that programs are not exploiting veterans or offering fraudulent courses.
Senate Unanimously Approves Fischer’s Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Vets’ Access to CDL Schools
