ALPA Applauds House Passage of Key Mental Health Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA) commended the U.S. House of Representatives today for passing the Mental Health in Aviation Act (H.R. 2591). Introduced by Representatives Sean Casten (D-IL) and Pete Stauber (R-MN) and supported by Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), this bipartisan legislation supports aviation safety and increases access to mental health resources for aviation professionals.

"The Mental Health in Aviation Act represents a crucial step forward to improving aviation safety and maintaining a healthy work environment for pilots, and we greatly appreciate Reps. Casten and Stauber for their bipartisan leadership on this important issue," said Capt. Jason Ambrosi, ALPA president. "By implementing the Mental Health Aviation Rulemaking Committee's consensus recommendations, improving the special issuance process, and providing resources for additional aviation medical examiners, this bill acknowledges that a pilot's psychological wellbeing is just as important as their physical health."

For far too long, aviation professionals have faced a difficult choice between seeking necessary mental health care and maintaining their careers. The current regulatory framework creates a punitive culture that forces pilots and air traffic controllers to risk their livelihoods by seeking professional help. This outdated approach not only harms individual aviators but also undermines the very safety standards on which U.S. aviation is built. The Mental Health in Aviation Act will help break down barriers in dealing with mental health issues in aviation and advance aviation safety by improving the FAA's medical review system and encouraging more pilots and controllers to seek care if needed.

"ALPA stands ready to continue our work with Congress, the FAA, and all stakeholders to ensure this landmark legislation is enacted into law. Together, we can build a better aviation system where seeking mental health care is viewed not as a career risk, but as a professional responsibility and a cornerstone of safe operations. ALPA strongly supports this legislation that will help remove the barriers surrounding mental health treatment while ensuring that aviation safety remains paramount," added Ambrosi.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 80,000 pilots at 43 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on Twitter @ALPAPilots.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org