Legislative Update: H.R. 2591 The Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025 Makes Progress

On Wednesday, the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee held a markup of The Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025 (H.R. 2591). This bill would ensure that the careers of aviation safety professionals are not adversely affected when they take proactive steps to improve their physical, mental, and emotional health.

NATCA worked closely with the bill’s authors to draft the legislative language as well as Committee staff on technical amendments to the bill. Prior to the markup, NATCA’s legislative activists and Government Affairs staff contacted each member of the T&I Committee, urging their support during the markup process.

H.R. 2591 successfully passed through the markup by a voice vote. A recorded vote was not requested, indicating widespread, bipartisan support for this legislation. NATCA’s Legislative Team will continue to work with our allies on Capitol Hill to secure additional cosponsors as well as a companion bill in the Senate.

NATCA thanks Reps. Sean Casten (Ill.-6), Pete Stauber (Minn.-8), Rick Larsen (Wash.-2), and Tracey Mann (Kan-1), along with 24 additional cosponsors, for introducing and supporting this important bipartisan legislation, which requires the FAA to update its policies by removing barriers that prevent controllers and other aviation safety professionals from seeking medical help for mental health conditions and symptoms.  It also would improve access to care and expedite the return-to-work process for those who seek this type of care.

You can learn more about the bill here.

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, you are not alone. Please reach out to CISM, EAP, or call 988 for support.