Tim Sheehy (R-MT)
Reducing Arbitrary Barriers to Apprenticeship Act of 2026
A Republican bill with 3 Democratic cosponsors · See all 6 cosponsors
Last activity — Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Reducing Arbitrary Barriers to Apprenticeship Act of 2026. It aims to change veterans educational assistance programs found in title 38 and title 10 of the United States Code. The goal is to remove provisions that disadvantage eligible individuals who choose to pursue apprenticeships or on-job training instead of a four-year college degree. The bill adjusts monthly housing stipends and educational assistance allowances for full-time training programs. It also waives minimum attendance requirements for individuals in the construction industry.
Yes· 3 of 9
- Scored +8
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
Significantly improves educational and housing assistance for veterans pursuing non-traditional degree paths.
- Scored +7
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?
The bill increases educational assistance and housing stipends for veterans pursuing apprenticeships.
- Scored +5
Would students be better off under this?
Provides more equitable funding for students choosing vocational or apprenticeship-based education.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2(a)(1) changes the monthly housing stipend for individuals pursuing a full-time program of apprenticeship or on-job training under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance program. This is positive because it sets the stipend equal to the basic allowance for housing for an E-5 with dependents where the employer is located, which may prevent the assistance amount from deterring individuals from these programs.
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Section 2(a)(2) waives the minimum attendance requirement for individuals pursuing apprenticeships or on-job training for construction industry occupations classified in Sector 23 of the North American Industry Classification System under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance program. This is a positive change for construction workers because it lifts attendance rules that could otherwise negatively affect their assistance.
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Section 2(b)(1) ensures that the assistance for a full-time apprenticeship or on-job training program under the All-Force Educational Assistance Program is 100 percent of the monthly educational assistance allowance otherwise payable. This is beneficial because it ensures full payment rates for participants.
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Section 2(b)(2) waives the minimum attendance requirement for construction industry apprenticeships and on-job training under the All-Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program. This helps individuals in Sector 23 occupations avoid minimum attendance restrictions.
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Section 2(c)(1) ensures that assistance for full-time apprenticeships and on-job training for members of the Selected Reserve is 100 percent of the monthly educational assistance allowance otherwise payable. This provides full financial support for reservists choosing these training paths.
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Section 2(c)(2) waives the minimum attendance requirement for individuals in construction industry apprenticeships and on-job training under the Educational Assistance for Members of the Selected Reserve program. This provides relief from attendance rules for Sector 23 workers in the reserves.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The provided text does not contain any specific provisions outlining negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — Significantly improves educational and housing assistance for veterans pursuing non-traditional degree paths. Would students be better off under this? — Provides more equitable funding for students choosing vocational or apprenticeship-based education. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Provides increased support for vocational training which can facilitate upward economic mobility. Would business owners be better off under this? — Helps build a skilled workforce through apprenticeship programs. Would union members be better off under this? — Apprenticeships are a core component of many skilled trade and union career paths. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Supports career development through apprenticeships which is beneficial for young adults entering the workforce.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill increases educational assistance and housing stipends for veterans pursuing apprenticeships.
- Education And Technology
- Does this make college cost less? — The bill increases the value and accessibility of non-degree vocational training and apprenticeships.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — By incentivizing apprenticeships and on-job training, the bill supports skilled labor development.
- 9/28/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/29/2026
- Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.
- 3/4/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Kevin CramerRepublican · North Dakota
Tammy DuckworthDemocrat · Illinois
Ruben GallegoDemocrat · Arizona
James JusticeRepublican · West Virginia
Dan SullivanRepublican · Alaska
Elissa SlotkinDemocrat · Michigan