Summary of HR 3055 - TRANSPORT Jobs Act

Bill Overview

• Bill Number: HR 3055
• Title: Transitioning Retiring And New Service Members to Port Ocean Rail and Truck Jobs Act (TRANSPORT Jobs Act)
• Introduced: April 29, 2025
• Status: Received in the Senate, read twice, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
• Primary Sponsor: Tom Barrett
• Cosponsors: Susie Lee, Hillary J. Scholten, Laura Gillen, Mike Bost

Purpose of the Legislation

The TRANSPORT Jobs Act aims to facilitate the transition of retiring and new service members, as well as veterans, into supply chain employment. The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop a comprehensive action plan that addresses barriers and challenges faced by these individuals in securing jobs in the supply chain sector.

Key Provisions

1. Action Plan Development:

   • The Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretaries of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Labor, must create the "Veteran to Supply Chain Employee Action Plan" within 30 days of enactment.

2. Identification of Barriers:

   • The plan will identify:
     • Barriers faced by service members and veterans in job searches and hiring processes.
     • Challenges employers encounter in recruiting and retaining these individuals.
     • Regulatory burdens affecting the hiring of supply chain employees.
     • Regions with the highest demand for supply chain workers.
     • Industry trends that may discourage veterans from pursuing supply chain careers.

3. Highlighting Skills and Opportunities:

   • The plan will emphasize the skills and competencies veterans possess that are relevant to supply chain jobs and identify gaps that need addressing.
   • It will explore opportunities to enhance existing initiatives for veterans to enter the supply chain workforce.

4. Recommendations for Action:

   • The Secretary will recommend specific actions for the Departments of Transportation, Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Labor to improve the transition of veterans into supply chain roles.

5. Consultation with Industry:

   • The plan will involve consultations with transportation supply chain employers and organizations representing supply chain employees.

Impact

• Target Population: The bill primarily affects members of the Armed Forces eligible for preseparation counseling and veterans seeking employment in the supply chain sector.
• Industry Impact: The legislation aims to address workforce shortages in the supply chain industry by facilitating the hiring of qualified veterans, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness in this critical sector.

Legislative Timeline

• April 29, 2025: Introduced in the House.
• June 11, 2025: Reported (amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
• September 8, 2025: Passed in the House by voice vote and sent to the Senate.
• September 9, 2025: Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Conclusion

The TRANSPORT Jobs Act represents a significant effort to bridge the gap between military service and civilian employment in the supply chain sector. By addressing barriers and enhancing opportunities for veterans, the bill seeks to create a more robust workforce that can meet the demands of the industry while supporting those who have served in the Armed Forces.