Bill > HR2591

This bill aims to improve mental health support and regulations in the aviation industry by requiring the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator to update regulations within two years to encourage aviation professionals to seek help for mental health conditions without fear of professional repercussions. The bill mandates an annual review of mental health special issuance processes for pilots and air traffic controllers, with provisions to reclassify and approve additional medications, improve medical examiner training, and potentially delegate more authority to aviation medical examiners. The legislation includes a $13.74 million annual budget from 2026 to 2028 to recruit and train additional aviation medical examiners, expand oversight capacity, and clear backlogs of special issuance reviews. Additionally, the bill allocates $1.5 million annually for a public information campaign to destigmatize mental health care in the aviation industry, broaden awareness of supportive services, and establish trust with pilots and air traffic controllers. The FAA Administrator is required to implement recommendations from the Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Rulemaking Committee submitted in April 2024, and must provide justification to Congress if any recommendations are not implemented. The overall goal is to create a more supportive environment that encourages aviation professionals to prioritize their mental health without fear of losing their professional credentials.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2591/all-info