The Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023 (H.R. 2830 and S. 656) is bipartisan legislation aimed at enhancing veterans’ access to commercial driver education programs by amending Title 38 of the United States Code. The Act addresses existing barriers that prevent veterans from utilizing their GI Bill benefits for commercial driver training, thereby facilitating their entry into the trucking industry.

Key Provisions:

• Exemption from the Two-Year Rule: The Act exempts new branches of approved commercial driver education programs from the existing two-year waiting period required before they can accept GI Bill benefits. This exemption applies if the new branch is appropriately licensed and utilizes the same curriculum as the already approved primary location. Congress.gov
• Annual Reporting Requirement: Educational institutions must submit an annual report to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs demonstrating that the curriculum at the new branch mirrors that of the primary location. This ensures consistency and quality across training sites. Congress.gov
• Authority to Withhold Exemption: The Secretary of Veterans Affairs retains the authority to withhold the exemption for any educational institution or branch as deemed appropriate, ensuring oversight and adherence to standards. Congress.gov

Legislative Progress:

• House of Representatives: Introduced by Representative Chuck Edwards (R-NC) as H.R. 2830, the bill garnered bipartisan support and was incorporated into H.R. 5914, the Veterans Education Transparency and Training (VETT) Act, which passed the House unanimously in April 2024. Edwards
• Senate: The companion bill, S. 656, was introduced by Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Alex Padilla (D-CA). It passed the Senate unanimously in November 2023. Congress.gov
• Enactment: The House passed S. 656 in September 2024, and the bill was signed into law by the President in October 2024, becoming Public Law 118-95. GovInfo

Impact:

By removing bureaucratic obstacles, the Act enables veterans to more readily access commercial driver training programs using their GI Bill benefits. This facilitates their transition into the trucking industry, addressing workforce shortages and enhancing supply chain efficiency. The legislation reflects a commitment to supporting veterans’ post-service career opportunities and strengthening the nation’s transportation infrastructure.