Senate approves legislation targeted at pilot, air traffic control mental health guidance

The Senate passed two bills Thursday aimed at removing barriers for pilots and air traffic controllers seeking mental health treatment, as well as reducing stigma surrounding these conditions.

Sponsored by Sens. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), respectively, both pieces of legislation passed in the upper chamber by unanimous consent.

The first act, which Hoeven introduced , would require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue guidance encouraging pilots and air traffic controllers struggling with mental health issues to seek treatment. It would also provide “enhanced” training for aviation medical examiners on how to address these conditions.

The bill honors John A. Hauser , an aviation student from Chicago who took his own life in 2021 while attending the University of North Dakota.

“Our nation faces a severe shortage of qualified pilots and air traffic controllers, while bureaucratic delays and outdated processes at the FAA keep these professionals from working for prolonged periods when they seek mental health care,” Hoeven said in a statement after senators passed the package.

The other bill, brought forth by Duckworth, seeks to boost transparency around available medications for aviation industry employees.

This legislation, titled the Aviation Medication Transparency Act of 2026 , would direct the FAA to create and annually update a list of medications that can be safely prescribed to pilots and air traffic controllers.

“Our aviation system depends on the well-being of our pilots and air traffic controllers, who operate under an immense amount of stress,” Duckworth said in a statement. “Their careers should never be threatened because they weren’t properly informed about which medications they’re allowed to take, or simply sought the mental health care they need.”

Both bills now head to the House for consideration.

Earlier this year, the FAA issued new guidance encouraging pilots and air traffic controllers to seek counseling, as well as other mental health services. The Hill has reached out to the agency for comment on the Senate’s approval of these two bills.