Capitol News

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) and Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03) have introduced the Transitioning Retiring And New Service Members to Port, Ocean, Rail, and Truck (TRANSPORT) Jobs Act. This bipartisan bill is designed to enhance veteran employment opportunities and support the American supply chain by facilitating connections between veterans and jobs in transportation and logistics.

The bill mandates the Secretary of Transportation to collaborate with other federal agencies in crafting a strategy that pinpoints obstacles to veteran employment in sectors such as trucking, rail, and shipping. The plan will include policy recommendations to remove these barriers.

"No one is better trained or more mission-focused than our veterans, yet too many are left struggling to find meaningful employment after leaving the military," Barrett stated. "The TRANSPORT Jobs Act is a critical first step in that process and achieves two goals at once – supporting our veterans and strengthening our nation’s supply chain."

Scholten emphasized that veterans should not face difficulties in securing employment, saying, "Veterans who have devoted their lives to serving our nation should never face obstacles in finding employment... That's why I am proud to co-lead the bipartisan TRANSPORT Jobs Act with Rep. Barrett, which would be an important first step in developing a more conducive job market for veterans in the supply chain industry."

The act addresses an issue faced by nearly two-thirds of newly separated service members, for whom "finding a job" is a primary concern. By aligning federal workforce development policies with the needs of veterans and employers, the TRANSPORT Jobs Act seeks to improve economic opportunities and national resilience.