The Promoting Service in Transportation Act was introduced into the House this week to create a series of public service announcement campaigns to promote job opportunities and improve diversity for the U.S. transportation workforce.
Created by U.S. Reps. Rick Larsen (D-WA), Don Young (R-AK), and Angie Craig (D-MN), the legislation — H.R. 5118 — grants authority to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) for the ad campaign. Specifically, they would target airline pilots, air traffic controllers, railroad workers, and truck drivers, among other industry-supporting professions to address upcoming shortages anticipated over the coming decade. If passed, the USDOT would do so through broadcast, digital, and print media announcements.
“In Washington state and across the country, transportation means jobs,” Larsen, a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said. “As demand continues to grow, it is important all Americans are aware of the career opportunities available in the transportation sector to grow the next generation workforce.”
Staff shortages are not, however, the only trouble facing the transportation industry. The lawmakers point to a staggering lack of diversification, noting that 90 percent of the nation’s airline pilots and truck drivers are white and male.
“This bill aims to attract young people across Minnesota’s Second Congressional District to exciting and in-demand local career opportunities such as the district’s air traffic control facility in Farmington, and our regional aviation hub, the Minneapolis – St. Paul Airport,” Craig, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “The transportation industry faces workforce and diversity challenges that we must address now.”
The legislation is supported by several trade and industry organizations, including the National Business Aviation Association, Air Line Pilots Association, International, and Transport Workers Union.