The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved two bipartisan bills to update Federal Aviation Administration guidance on mental health care for pilots and air traffic controllers in Washington, D.C. The measures are designed to encourage earlier disclosure and treatment while preserving safety standards, and now move to the House for further consideration.
The main bill, the John A. Hauser Mental Health in Aviation Act, would direct the FAA to revise its regulations and provide more supportive guidance for aviation professionals seeking mental-health care. A companion measure, the Aviation Medication Transparency Act, would require the agency to publish a clearer, user-friendly list of medications that pilots and controllers can use under medical certification rules.
The legislation was sponsored by Senators John Hoeven and Tammy Duckworth and passed by unanimous consent. Industry groups including NATCA welcomed the vote, framing it as a step toward easing stigma and improving access to treatment across aviation without lowering safety requirements. The bills remain pending House action before they can become law.