US Senate passes bipartisan aviation mental health bills

The US Senate has passed two bipartisan bills, the John A. Hauser Mental Health in Aviation Act and the Aviation Medication Transparency Act, by unanimous consent. These measures aim to improve how pilots and air traffic controllers access mental health treatment and understand the impact of medications on their medical eligibility.

The legislation seeks to reduce the stigma, career fears, and financial hardships that currently discourage aviation professionals from disclosing mental health conditions. The John A. Hauser Act would require the FAA to update medical-certification regulations within 18 months to encourage early disclosure and treatment. It also authorizes up to $15 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2028 to expand medical-review capacity, recruit and train examiners, and reduce certification backlogs.

The Aviation Medication Transparency Act focuses on increasing clarity regarding medication guidelines. Both bills must now move to the House of Representatives before they can be sent to the president for signature.