WASHINGTON, DC – This week, U.S. Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI03) and U.S. Congressman Tom Barrett (MI07) introduced the Transitioning Retiring And New Service Members to Port, Ocean, Rail, and Truck (TRANSPORT) Jobs Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to strengthen both veteran employment opportunities and the American supply chain workforce by developing a comprehensive plan to connect veterans with high-demand jobs in the transportation and logistics sector.
“Veterans who have devoted their lives to serving our nation should never face obstacles in finding employment. Our home is the land of the free because of the brave, and it’s our duty to ensure that when their mission ends, a new path begins,” said Scholten. “The least we can do is help streamline the process and identify barriers to a career post-service. 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.”
“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,” said Barrett. “It’s time we tear down the roadblocks that stand between those who served and the jobs that need doing in our economy. 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. I’m proud to introduce this bill with Rep. Scholten and look forward to working together to get it across the finish line.”
Specifically, the bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to work with other federal agencies to develop and release a plan that will identify barriers to hiring veterans in trucking, rail, shipping, and other critical infrastructure roles. It will also require the department to make policy recommendations to eliminate them.
Nearly two-thirds of newly separated service members face challenges transitioning to civilian life with “finding a job” being their top concern. The TRANSPORT Jobs Act addresses this issue by aligning federal workforce development policy with the needs of both veterans and employers, bolstering economic opportunity, and national resilience.
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