SEATTLE—The Mental Health in Aviation Act (H.R. 2591) is moving to the floor of the House of Representatives after the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure approved it in a bipartisan vote earlier today.
“We want our pilots at the top of their game and taking care of their mental health is a critical component to achieve that goal. Our pilots cannot fear that their livelihoods are at stake when taking care of themselves, nor can our air traffic controllers,” says Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN). “If we don’t change how we handle mental health in aviation we will exacerbate a culture of silence. Simply unacceptable.”
The bill would require the FAA to modernize its approach to mental health protocols, direct funding to address the FAA’s backlog in medical certificate processing wait times, and create a public information campaign to destigmatize the culture of silence around mental health in aviation.
“The FAA’s mental health protocols must evolve to foster an environment where the aviation workforce feels supported to seek resources and care, and the MHAA would do just that,” said Ranking Member Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA).
The Pilot Mental Health Campaign (PMHC) has staunchly supported the MHAA since its introduction. Said Executive Director Chris Finlayson of the bill’s passage out of committee, “The MHAA is a much-needed, long-awaited modernization of the FAA’s antiquated approach to mental health. For too long, the FAA has sidelined talented and dedicated pilots and air traffic controllers, leading to personal strife as well as systemic degradation. PMHC applauds Chairman Graves’ support, as well as the leadership Ranking Member Larson, Rep. Stauber, and Rep. Mann have shown in advancing this legislation. We are grateful to the other members of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee who support this critical legislation and voted today to pass it through to the House floor.”
PMHC urges supporters to voice their approval of MHAA to their representatives in Congress, as the bill will now advance to be considered by the entire chamber. PMHC’s website has more information on the bill, its broader advocacy efforts, as well as an action center to easily contact your elected officials.
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For more information or interview requests, contact:
Dan Mantooth, Media Director, [email protected]
About PMHC
The Pilot Mental Health Campaign is the first and only advocacy organization dedicated exclusively to reforming the broken American aeromedical system and building a safe, effective, and modern system that supports the mental health and wellbeing of American pilots. We are aviators, legal experts, mental health professionals, and loved ones failed by the current system, and we collaborate with industry stakeholders, mental health experts, policymakers, and all who believe mental health affects everybody. For more information, visit pmhc.org.