Baldwin’s Bipartisan Amendment to Expand Flight-Training Programs for Veterans Wins Full Senate Approval

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin’s bipartisan amendment with Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) to increase federal funding and expand flight-training services for veterans to become commercial airline pilots passed the full Senate.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Baldwin successfully secured $5 million in federal funding, an increase from $1 million, in the Fiscal Year 2020 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act to expand opportunities for veterans seeking careers as airline pilots.

“America’s veterans have bravely served our nation and we have a shared responsibility to make sure their service and sacrifice is honored,” said Senator Baldwin. “Our veterans have also earned every opportunity to be productive and successful after completing their military service. I worked across the aisle to secure this increased funding that will expand opportunities for veterans looking to pursue flight training and careers as commercial airline pilots. We have a real need for qualified pilots, and if we make the training more available to veterans, we can provide them with a good paying job.”

The funding will be used by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to award competitive grants supporting flight-training services to veterans who are not already military pilots. Flight-training schools that have established pathways to employment with commercial air carriers are eligible for federal grants to recruit and enroll veterans for flight training. Grant funding may be used to provide guidance and flight-training services, including additional training required to reach proficiency. Grants may also be used to provide tuition, books, training materials, and equipment.

Support for Baldwin’s bipartisan work includes Fox Valley Technical College, Air Wisconsin and Appleton Airport.