The U.S. Congress is continuing to focus on workforce concerns with a new bipartisan bill that is designed to promote transportation careers, including aviation. Introduced recently by House aviation subcommittee chair Rick Larsen (D-Washington), along with fellow subcommittee members Reps. Don Young (R-Alaska) and Angie Craig (D-Minnesota), the Promoting Service in Transportation Act (H.R.5118) authorizes the Department of Transportation to develop broadcast, digital, and print campaigns to promote job opportunities and improve diversity in the transportation sectors.

“It is important all Americans are aware of the career opportunities available in the transportation sector to grow the next generation workforce,” Larson said. “Our aviation industry is essential to Alaska’s economic health, and we must continue to be able to meet the demands of this critical sector,” added Young.

NBAA is giving strong support to the bill, noting significant workforce challenges confronting the industry. NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen called H.R.5118 “important bipartisan legislation that will help attract the next generation of transportation professionals at a time when they are most needed.”

The bill is the latest in a serious of measures aimed at workforce issues. Congress added an entire title on the subject in last year’s FAA Reauthorization Act that included nearly a dozen measures to study, develop recommendations, facilitate opportunities, address training, and attract more, as well as more diverse, workers.