The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee unanimously approved the Mental Health in Aviation Act on Apr. 15, advancing the bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators John Hoeven and Tammy Duckworth to the full Senate for consideration.
The act aims to modernize how the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) addresses mental health among aviation professionals. The proposed changes are intended to improve safety by encouraging early intervention and reducing stigma around mental health issues for pilots and air traffic controllers.
“Our pilots, air traffic controllers and aviation professionals need to maintain their mental health in order to do their jobs and keep the traveling public safe,” said John Hoeven. “The Mental Health in Aviation Act will address mental health challenges in the aviation industry, promote early intervention, provide additional resources to the FAA’s Office of Aerospace Medicine, and support the well-being of aviation professionals and the overall safety of our skies. We appreciate the support of the Commerce Committee in advancing our legislation to the full Senate, where we will continue our efforts to secure passage of this legislation.”
Tammy Duckworth said: “Our aviation system depends on the well-being of our pilots and air traffic controllers, who operate under an immense amount of stress—their careers should never be threatened because they dared to seek the mental health care they need. I’m proud our commonsense, bipartisan bill that would make it easier for our aviation workforce to take care of themselves without fearing for their job security passed through committee. Now, the committee must also advance our other bipartisan legislation that would help inform the aviation workforce which medications they’re allowed to take, and the Senate must swiftly pass both bills. It’s the least we can do to show current and future pilots and air traffic controllers that we are invested in them and committed to dismantling the dangerous culture of silence surrounding mental health in the aviation industry.”
Currently, FAA regulations require disclosure of all medical treatment—including for behavioral or mental health—which can result in delays or uncertainty even when conditions are minor or managed. The agency has limited psychiatric staff available for evaluations leading to a backlog as reported during recent assessments.
In response, a rulemaking committee convened by FAA delivered recommendations last year aimed at removing barriers while maintaining safety standards. The new act incorporates these suggestions by requiring annual reviews of certification processes; allocating $15 million per year from fiscal years 2026 through 2028 for expanding medical examiner training; updating guidance on disclosure; launching a public information campaign; and encouraging early reporting.
These legislative efforts build upon initiatives at institutions like University of North Dakota following incidents such as John Hauser’s death—leading UND programs now serve as models internationally.
Hoeven was elected as U.S. Senator representing North Dakota according to his official website. He previously served as governor after roles including president at Bank of North Dakota according to his official website. He earned degrees from Dartmouth College and Northwestern University according to his official website.
Hoeven serves on several committees such as Appropriations; Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry; Energy & Natural Resources according to his official website. His platform focuses on energy production support for agriculture alongside economic growth priorities as noted on his official website.
