WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) and Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) introduced the Reducing Arbitrary Barriers to Apprenticeship Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation which increases access to GI Bill benefits for veterans pursuing apprenticeships or on-the-job training programs. Currently, veterans who are pursuing these programs have their monthly housing allowance reduced by 20% every six months. This legislation would ensure beneficiaries receive a full monthly housing allowance and there are no reductions based on semiannual reviews or monthly work hours. Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).
“Veterans sacrifice so much in defense of our freedoms and deserve access to the benefits they’ve earned, regardless of their educational track or career goals,” said Rep. Finstad. “Four-year degrees aren’t the only option, and oftentimes those pursuing other programs experience reduced allowances. That’s why I’m proud to join Congressman Kennedy in introducing the Reducing Arbitrary Barriers to Apprenticeship Act of 2026, ensuring veterans pursuing apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs have the GI Bill benefits they deserve.”
“Our veterans deserve every opportunity to build a successful career following their service to our nation,” said Rep. Kennedy. “Choosing an apprenticeship or career in the skilled trades should never mean sacrificing hard-earned educational benefits simply because it does not follow the traditional four-year college track. This bipartisan bill removes barriers and ensures that our veterans can access the benefits they’ve earned while building careers in the trades that strengthen Western New York and our entire country.”
Background:
- Unlike those pursuing four-year degrees, veterans pursuing apprenticeships or on-the-job training have their monthly housing allowance reduced by 20% every six months.
- With most programs taking roughly two years to complete, veterans who finish those programs will receive only 20% of the total housing allowance that other GI Bill beneficiaries receive over the course of the same period.
- Individuals in these programs are required to complete at least 120 hours of work per month, or their monthly housing allowance will be prorated. These hours do not include classroom training which can average 16-30 hours depending on the program, making the pursuit of apprenticeships or on-the-job training programs cost prohibitive for many.
