House · HR 2591 · 119th Congress
Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025
Summary
This bill tells the FAA to update its rules to make it easier for pilots and air traffic controllers to seek mental health care without fear of losing their jobs. The FAA must also train more medical examiners and run a public campaign to reduce the shame around mental health treatment. These changes affect pilots, air traffic controllers, and the doctors who certify them.
In Favor
Many pilots avoid getting mental health help because they fear losing their flying license. This bill removes that fear by updating rules and approving more medications for treatment. More trained medical examiners will also speed up the slow approval process that currently delays pilots from returning to work.
Against
The bill sets aside over $45 million across three years with little detail on how results will be measured. Rushing to approve more medications and delegate more authority to medical examiners could reduce oversight of a safety-critical profession. Congress is directing the FAA on medical decisions that may be better left to aviation safety experts.
Additional Considerations
Purpose & Problem
Is the problem real and worth federal action?
The bill asks the FAA to update its rules to encourage pilots and air traffic controllers to seek and report mental health care without fear of losing their medical certificates.
Scope & Related Provisions
Does it stay focused, or carry unrelated add-ons?
The provisions stay tied to the core purpose of improving mental health rules, training, and awareness within the aviation workforce.
Who Is Affected
Who benefits, and who bears the cost?
Pilots and air traffic controllers may find it easier to get mental health care. Aviation medical examiners take on new training duties, and the FAA must write new rules and run a public campaign.
Cost & Funding
Is it affordable and responsibly funded?
The bill authorizes $13,740,000 per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2028 to hire and train medical examiners. It also authorizes $1,500,000 per year for the same period for a public awareness campaign.
Risks & Implementation
What could go wrong in practice?
The bill sets firm deadlines, including a two-year window to update regulations and 180 days to act on a task group report. Meeting those timelines depends on the FAA completing multiple reviews and consultations on schedule.
For the actual bill text, see congress.gov.
AI-generated · Published 9/30/2026