Bill seeks to ease mental health stigma for pilots, air traffic controllers
Passed one chamberH.R. 2591Latest action
Sponsor: Sean Casten · Representative · IL
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The bill directs the FAA to update rules within two years so aviation workers seek mental health help without fearing job loss.
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What does this do?
The bill directs the FAA to revise its rules within two years to encourage pilots and air traffic controllers to seek mental health treatment and disclose conditions honestly. It requires review of past study recommendations, consultation with unions and medical examiners, annual review of the medical clearance process for certain mental health medications, and funding to hire more aviation medical examiners and run a public awareness campaign.
Who does it affect?
The bill directly affects commercial and private pilots, air traffic controllers, and aviation medical examiners who certify them as fit to work. Airline passengers and overall aviation safety could be indirectly affected.
Why does it matter?
The changes alter the process and support systems around reporting and treating mental health conditions without changing safety standards for who can fly or control air traffic.
What does it cost, and who pays?
The bill funds about $13.7 million per year for three years to hire more aviation medical examiners, plus $1.5 million per year for a public awareness campaign on mental health stigma.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedApr 2, 2025
- House committee
- House vote
- SenateYou are here · Sep 9, 2025
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the House, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
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