Pappas’s Bipartisan Legislation to Cut Red Tape on Trucking Apprenticeship Programs for Veterans

May 19, 2026 Press Release Today legislation introduced by Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), Ranking Member of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, and Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02), the Veterans’ Transition to Trucking Act , passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support. The bipartisan legislation would cut red tape for veteran truckers by allowing VA to streamline the approval of certain apprenticeship programs. “It’s unacceptable that veterans are losing employment opportunities due to unnecessary and redundant bureaucratic hurdles. Cutting red tape so trucking companies can employ veterans is a commonsense step that will increase opportunities for veterans and help address the driver shortage,” said Congressman Pappas. “I’m thrilled to see our bipartisan legislation pass which will ease the pathway for veterans embarking on new careers as truck drivers. I urge the Senate to swiftly pass this legislation and send it to the President’s desk.” Currently, interstate trucking companies must obtain approval from every state in which they operate for veterans to use their VA education benefits for apprenticeship programs at that company. VA has reported that some trucking companies are opting out of offering apprenticeships to veterans due to the bureaucratic hurdles of obtaining approval from more than 20 State Approving Agencies (SAAs). This legislation would help address this problem by allowing interstate commercial carriers to obtain a single VA approval for all their apprenticeship programs, simplifying program administration for motor carriers, and enabling them to accommodate more veterans as truck drivers. This bipartisan legislation is endorsed by the American Trucking Association and Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Issues : Veterans