Story perspectives

House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Boost Pilots' Mental Health

9/12/2025

26 3

Summary

Story summary

On September 9, the U.S. House passed the Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025 to enhance mental health support for pilots and air traffic controllers.
Introduced by Reps. Sean Casten (D-Ill.) and Pete Stauber (R-Minn.), the bipartisan bill requires the FAA to update medical certification regulations.
It allocates nearly $14 million annually until 2028 for recruiting and training aviation medical examiners, including psychiatrists.
The legislation mandates annual reviews of the special issuance process and promotes a public campaign to reduce mental health stigma.
Supported by industry groups, the bill now advances to the Senate for further consideration.

1 of 1

Story summary

On September 9, the U.S. House passed the Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025 to enhance mental health support for pilots and air traffic controllers.
Introduced by Reps. Sean Casten (D-Ill.) and Pete Stauber (R-Minn.), the bipartisan bill requires the FAA to update medical certification regulations.
It allocates nearly $14 million annually until 2028 for recruiting and training aviation medical examiners, including psychiatrists.
The legislation mandates annual reviews of the special issuance process and promotes a public campaign to reduce mental health stigma.
Supported by industry groups, the bill now advances to the Senate for further consideration.