Recent Federal Government Actions Could Help Alleviate Skilled Auto Repair Technician Shortage
The United States House Appropriations Committee voted 35-28 last month to advance House Republican’s Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, (LHHSE) and Related Agencies Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2026. This bill largely aligns with the strategic workforce development plan articulated in a joint report recently released by the U.S. Departments of Labor, Education, and Commerce. The Automotive Service Association (ASA) – the only national trade association devoted exclusively to the interests of collision and mechanical automotive repair shops – applauds Congress and the Trump Administration for prioritizing the need to resolve workforce shortage and training concerns.
The FY ’26 LHHSE appropriations bill allocates $285 million towards apprenticeship grants, of which $100 million is reserved for State apprenticeship programs. This total allotment maintains the same level of funding provided to apprenticeship programs in 2025. The committee’s decision to keep apprenticeship funding consistent while making significant cuts overall to the Department of Labor’s budget reflects Congress’ commitment to supporting apprenticeship programs, which ASA greatly appreciates. Such funding will be critical to achieving the Trump Administration’s goal of surpassing 1 million active apprentices in the United States.
The committee also approved language strongly encouraging the Department of Labor to provide specialized support to incumbent automotive repair technicians in advanced training to prepare them with the skills needed to handle advances in automotive technology. ASA encouraged the Committee to include this language in the LHHSE Appropriations bill in 2024, but the legislation that ultimately passed omitted it. ASA thanks House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) and LHHSE Subcommittee Chairman Robert Aderholt (R-AL) for their leadership and persistent support for the automotive repair community, which they have demonstrated in their actions by reinserting this language in the latest bill.
Dan Stander, ASA Board of Directors Chairman, noted that, “the automotive repair community faces a daunting repair technician shortage that makes it harder for us to serve consumers. It also undermines roadway safety. The federal government can help ensure that automotive technicians are prepared to handle the future of auto innovation through support for apprenticeships and incumbent worker training programs. Congress’ recent action represents a step in the right direction.”
However, lawmakers have a long way to go before they vote on final appropriations. Republicans sought to pass a continuing resolution (CR) but the bill failed to pass the Senate, resulting in the current federal government shutdown. A CR is a temporary federal funding bill that maintains current spending levels. Under a CR, the federal government could not award these new apprenticeship grants. Unlike the U.S. House, which can pass bills by a simple majority, the Senate needs at least 60 of its 100 members to support the bill for it to pass, meaning at least seven Democrats would have to vote for it. This dynamic gives Democrats significant leverage on federal spending. Democrats will likely continue to use that leverage to negotiate a LHHSE appropriations bill that looks very different from the version approved by the House Appropriations Committee. The U.S. Senate will have an opportunity to vote on its own version of this legislation. ASA encourages Congress to work to ensure the LHHSE appropriations bill that becomes law empowers independent auto repairers to address its workforce needs.
Robert Redding Jr
Bob Redding is the Automotive Service Association’s Washington, D.C., representative. He is a member of several federal and state advisory committees involved in the automotive industry.
