Reducing Arbitrary Barriers to Apprenticeship Act of 2026 | ChamberLight
Bills · S 3993
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 3993Employment and training programsPerformance measurement
Reducing Arbitrary Barriers to Apprenticeship Act of 2026
INTRO MAR 4· LAST ACTION APR 29
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
5BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
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This bill matters because it removes financial hurdles that currently push many veterans towards four-year college degrees, even if their career goals align better with skilled trades. If this bill becomes law, veterans pursuing apprenticeships would have more consistent and equitable financial support, including housing stipends and full educational allowances, which can significantly reduce financial stress and allow them to focus on their training.
Without this bill, the current system might unintentionally steer veterans away from vital trades that face labor shortages, such as those in the construction sector. By making apprenticeships more appealing, the bill could help fill these crucial roles, strengthen the workforce, and give veterans more diverse and financially stable career paths beyond traditional higher education, aligning their benefits with a wider range of post-service opportunities.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
For veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill for apprenticeships, the monthly housing stipend will be set at the rate of a standard military housing allowance (E-5 with dependents) based on the employer's location.
This ensures apprentices receive a consistent and competitive housing benefit, similar to college students, removing a financial disincentive for choosing trade programs.
PROVISION 02
For veterans using the Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty or Selected Reserve) for apprenticeships, the monthly educational assistance allowance will be 100% of the full amount they are eligible for.
This eliminates a current reduction in benefits for apprentices, making these programs fully funded throughout the training period.
PROVISION 03
Veterans pursuing apprenticeships or on-the-job training in the construction industry will be exempt from any minimum monthly attendance requirements to receive their educational benefits.
This provides flexibility for construction apprentices, acknowledging the variable nature of work in that sector and ensuring they don't lose benefits due to irregular schedules.
This bill matters because it removes financial hurdles that currently push many veterans towards four-year college degrees, even if their career goals align better with skilled trades. If this bill becomes law, veterans pursuing apprenticeships would have more consistent and equitable financial support, including housing stipends and full educational allowances, which can significantly reduce financial stress and allow them to focus on their training.
Without this bill, the current system might unintentionally steer veterans away from vital trades that face labor shortages, such as those in the construction sector. By making apprenticeships more appealing, the bill could help fill these crucial roles, strengthen the workforce, and give veterans more diverse and financially stable career paths beyond traditional higher education, aligning their benefits with a wider range of post-service opportunities.
KEY PROVISIONS
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high
For veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill for apprenticeships, the monthly housing stipend will be set at the rate of a standard military housing allowance (E-5 with dependents) based on the employer's location.
This ensures apprentices receive a consistent and competitive housing benefit, similar to college students, removing a financial disincentive for choosing trade programs.
high
For veterans using the Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty or Selected Reserve) for apprenticeships, the monthly educational assistance allowance will be 100% of the full amount they are eligible for.
This eliminates a current reduction in benefits for apprentices, making these programs fully funded throughout the training period.
med
Veterans pursuing apprenticeships or on-the-job training in the construction industry will be exempt from any minimum monthly attendance requirements to receive their educational benefits.
This provides flexibility for construction apprentices, acknowledging the variable nature of work in that sector and ensuring they don't lose benefits due to irregular schedules.
GLOSSARY
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Title 38, United States Code
The section of federal law that deals with veterans' benefits, services, and affairs.
Title 10, United States Code
The section of federal law that deals with the armed forces, including their organization and military pay.
Post-9/11 Educational Assistance
Also known as the Post-9/11 GI Bill, this program provides financial support for education and housing to individuals who served on active duty after September 10, 2001.
Apprenticeship or other on-job training
A structured program where individuals learn a skilled trade or profession through hands-on work experience combined with related instruction, often while earning a wage.
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
A non-taxable allowance provided to U.S. military personnel to help cover the cost of housing when government quarters are not provided. The amount varies by rank, dependent status, and location.
North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Sector 23
A standard system used by federal statistical agencies to classify business establishments. Sector 23 specifically covers the Construction industry.
All-Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program
ACTION TIMELINE
4 EVENTS
APR 29
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.
COMMITTEE
MAR 4
Introduced in Senate
INTROREFERRAL
MAR 4
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
INTROREFERRAL
MAR 4
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Also known as the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (MGIB-AD), this program provides educational benefits to veterans who entered active duty after June 30, 1985, and contributed to the program.
Educational Assistance for Members of the Selected Reserve
Also known as the Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR), this program provides educational benefits to members of the Reserve components who meet specific service requirements.
