Capitol News

The U.S. House of Representatives has unanimously passed the Transitioning Retiring And New Service Members to Port, Ocean, Rail, and Truck (TRANSPORT) Jobs Act, introduced by Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07). This marks the third bill sponsored by Barrett to clear the House this year.

The TRANSPORT Jobs Act is designed to connect military veterans with employment opportunities in the transportation and supply chain sectors. The legislation aims to address workforce shortages in these industries while helping veterans use their skills and experience as they transition into civilian careers.

“Entering civilian life after years in the military is a big leap, especially for those who enlisted right out of high school and never had another full-time job,” said Barrett. “Whether they drove heavy-duty vehicles, crewed a ship, or managed logistics, many veterans developed skills that are essential for reducing labor shortages in our supply chain. My TRANSPORT Jobs Act will knock down barriers and empower our nation's heroes to reach their full career potential while delivering goods to our factories, stores, and homes across America.”

Under H.R. 3055, the Department of Transportation would work with the Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Labor to create a “Veteran to Supply Chain Employee Action Plan.” This plan would identify obstacles faced by veterans seeking jobs in supply chain fields—including regulatory challenges—and recommend steps for easing entry into these careers.

House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (MO-06) voiced his support: “Congressman Barrett’s bill helps our nation’s veterans translate and transition the skills and knowledge they attained while in the service to civilian occupations in the transportation sector, while also addressing the labor shortage challenges in the freight and logistics industries. As an Army Veteran and T&I Member, Mr. Barrett has been a leader on this issue, and I want to thank him for his work on this legislation.”

Ian Jefferies, president and CEO of the Association of American Railroads (AAR), noted that about one-sixth of railroad employees are military veterans: “With one in six railroad employees having served in our Armed Forces, we are proud to support the TRANSPORT Jobs Act, which expands opportunities for veterans throughout the supply chain. Their dedication, mission focus, and pride in service are invaluable assets to our industry and to the nation. By streamlining processes, removing barriers to entry, and creating new pathways, we can ensure more veterans find meaningful employment and continue to power America’s economy.”

Henry Hanscom from American Trucking Associations also expressed support: “Trucking is proud to be a source of good-paying jobs for veterans. No one understands the importance of logistics better than our military, and when our brave servicemembers return home, their skills are in high demand,” he said. “ATA applauds Reps. Tom Barrett and Hillary Scholten for their leadership on the TRANSPORT Jobs Act, which will help connect veterans with rewarding careers in our industry. This bill has overwhelming bipartisan support as reflected by its passage in the House. The trucking industry will continue to advocate for its swift enactment into law so that veterans can begin the next chapter of their service to our country.”

Surveys indicate that finding employment remains a major concern among transitioning service members. Recent discussions between Barrett and mid-Michigan veterans highlighted gaps within current federal programs intended to assist with this transition.