Bill Aimed at Expanding Veteran Access to Supply Chain Jobs Remains Stuck in Committee

The Senate is currently stalling a proposed bill to remove barriers for veterans seeking employment in supply chain roles. This legislation comes after it received unanimous approval in the House and amid increasing labor shortages in ports, rail yards, and trucking operations. The Transport Jobs Act, H.R. 3055, mandates that the Department of Transportation create a public “Veteran to Supply Chain Employee Action Plan” within 30 days of its enactment. This plan will detail the challenges veterans face in securing employment in the logistics sector, which is currently experiencing significant shortages.

The initiative will be developed in collaboration with the Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Labor to identify barriers to veteran employment across sectors, including port operations, trucking, rail, warehousing, and logistics. Additionally, it should propose federal measures to eliminate those obstacles. The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee has yet to schedule a hearing or markup, leaving the measure in limbo and delaying the release of crucial data and recommendations lawmakers assert are necessary.

Experts in the field contend that veterans bring a wealth of relevant skills essential for roles in freight movement and logistics. Jessica Kahanek, a representative for the Association of American Railroads, stated that veterans remain underrepresented because many are unaware of how closely their experiences align with the industry's demands. “Almost 17% of rail employees are veterans, but many of these returning heroes remain unaware of the opportunities that the industry offers,” she stated. “The qualities that characterize military excellence are also the cornerstone of the relentless, mission-focused work in railroading.”

Advocates for veterans argue that hiring processes and credentialing standards often hinder former service members from competing for civilian supply chain positions. Michael Haynes from Long Island Cares noted that many veterans possess transportation and logistics expertise that does not align seamlessly with civilian job descriptions. “Addressing civilian needs presents significant challenges,” he remarked, noting that financial and logistical obstacles—like the expense of acquiring a commercial driver’s license—can prevent low-income veterans from even applying.

The bill's sponsor, Rep. Tom Barrett, R-Mich., has identified licensing and credentialing as the primary challenges that require immediate attention. Barrett noted that veterans often perform similar duties in uniform, yet they face the burden of extensive and costly civilian certification requirements. His office announced that he is committed to working with senators to bring the bill to President Trump.

Recent federal labor statistics reveal ongoing job opportunities in the freight transportation and warehousing sectors, which employed approximately 6.6 million individuals as of June 2024. The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates continued growth in transportation and material-moving jobs over the next decade, warning that shortages could intensify without new hiring channels.

Advocates for the Transport Jobs Act assert that the proposed plan would provide Congress with the most transparent insight into the challenges veterans face in accessing supply chain careers, as well as the swift measures that can eliminate those obstacles. As the Senate continues deliberations, both veterans and employers remain in a state of anticipation, seeking clarity on the matter at hand.