WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber to help promote mental health among pilots and air traffic controllers.

The bipartisan Mental Health in Aviation Act, introduced by Stauber, a Republican from Hermantown, and U.S. Rep. Sean Casten, D-Ill., passed the chamber in a voice vote Monday.

In a joint news release, the lawmakers said the bill is designed to make it easier for pilots and air traffic controllers to seek mental health care without fear of harsh penalties.

“Unfortunately, current Federal Aviation Administration regulations prevent aviation professionals from seeking mental health care by imposing unfair penalties on those who do,” Stauber said in the news release. “This creates a dangerous culture of silence and stigm

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