The U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on Wednesday advanced a bill aimed at addressing mental health challenges in the aviation community.
The Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025 would require the FAA to revise its regulations to encourage aviation workers to voluntarily disclose a mental health diagnosis or condition. The agency would have to consult with collective bargaining representatives for air traffic controllers (ATCs) and pilots, as well as medical professionals, while developing the new rules.
The bill allocates $13.7 million per year through 2029 to recruit and train more aviation medical examiners, including psychiatrists.
Other provisions would institute an annual review process to study and approve new mental health treatments and medications for ATCs and pilots and implement recommendations made by the Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Aviation Rulemaking Committee last year.
The bill was introduced by Representatives Sean Casten of Illinois and Pete Stauber of Minnesota.
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) have endorsed the proposed legislation and commended the House committee for moving it forward.
