Sens. Cruz, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Support Veterans Pursuing Aviation Careers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) introduced theAuthorizing Vocational and Instructional Aviation Training for Eligible Veterans Act to allow eligible veterans to use their Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) benefits for non-degree flight training programs expanding opportunities for veterans pursuing commercial aviation careers.

Sen. Cruz said, “One of the biggest challenges I hear about from veterans in Texas is finding meaningful employment after retiring from active-duty military service. This legislation empowers those who have defended our country by enabling them to pursue commercial aviation careers.”

Sen. Sheehy said, “As a former Navy SEAL and aviator who created many successful aviation careers for veterans at the aerial firefighting business we started, I’m proud to support veterans getting the training they need to thrive. Veterans know how to work as a team and accomplish the mission, and this bill will help us fill critical aviation workforce shortages and equip veterans with skills needed to prosper in good-paying careers.”

Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Rep Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.-23).

Read the full text of the bill here.

BACKGROUND

Current law prohibits using VR&E benefits for flight training unless offered through a degree-granting institution. This restriction limits opportunities for veterans who wish to pursue aviation careers through FAA-certified flight schools that do not offer traditional degree programs.

The AVIATE act will: 

• Authorize the VA Secretary to approve non-degree flight training programs under the VR&E program. 
•  Provide parity between Chapter 31 (VR&E) and Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill) for aviation training. 
•  Expand access to FAA-certified flight schools not affiliated with degree-granting institutions. 

###