Legislation aimed at making it easier for veterans to access commercial driver licenses was passed by the U.S. House on June 26.
The Active Duty Voluntary Acquisition of Necessary Credentials for Employment, or ADVANCE, Act would improve access for military service members and reservists to the training and testing standards needed for commercial driver licenses under the 2015 FAST Act highway law.
“Today’s votes demonstrate the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s commitment to putting forward common-sense, good-government legislation for the nation,” committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) said shortly after the bill’s passage.
“The legislation passed today will help current and former service members to more easily obtain commercial driver licenses,” said Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), the committee’s ranking member.
Sponsored by Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), the bill was advanced by the committee last month. A related provision in the FAST Act applied only to certain veterans.
“This is a common-sense measure that will help our brave men and women find work here,” Aguilar said May 24.
Industry executives have sought to incorporate the skills of military personnel when they step away from active duty. American Trucking Associations endorses Aguilar’s legislation.
The House also passed legislation sponsored by Rep. Rob Woodall (R-Ga.) that would further allow qualified U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical professionals, including advanced practice nurses and physician assistants, to conduct physical examinations for veterans seeking CDLs. The bill aims to reduce wait times for veterans.
Under the FAST Act, doctors sign off on physical examinations.
