WASHINGTON, D.C., September 10, 2025 – The United States House Appropriations Committee voted 35-28 last night 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.”

ASA is the largest and oldest national organization committed to protecting the automotive repair industry with ONE VOICE. We are the only trade association whose board is comprised solely by collision and mechanical automotive repairers. Our members own and operate repair facilities responsible for the majority of all, post warranty, repair services in the United States. ASA advocates for the interests of its members and their customers in Washington, D.C. The education, resources, and services ASA provides empowers its members in all 50 states to remain trusted stewards of mobility in their communities. www.ASAShop.org