S. 3257, the John A. Hauser Mental Health in Aviation Act, passed the Senate on September 24, 2026.
S. 3257 — John A. Hauser Mental Health in Aviation Act
What it does
This bill requires the FAA to update regulations and guidance to encourage pilots and air traffic controllers with mental health conditions to seek treatment and disclose their diagnoses, rather than hiding them. It funds training for aviation medical examiners, establishes a public awareness campaign to reduce stigma around mental health in aviation, and mandates regular reviews of the special issuance process (the pathway by which people with mental health diagnoses can still obtain FAA medical certification). The goal is to improve aviation safety by ensuring people with treatable mental health conditions can access care without fear of losing their careers.
Quorum's transparency scan found no buried provisions in John A. Hauser Mental Health in Aviation Act.
What happens next
S. 3257 passed the Senate. It now moves to the other chamber.
Who is behind it
Filed by John Hoeven. Cosponsored by Adam Schiff, Amy Klobuchar, Andy Kim and Bernie Moreno.
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