Representatives Cohen and Titus Lead Letter Stressing Need to Implement DOT Rule for Passenger Mobility Devices
Congressional intent is to ensure passengers using the devices are treated with dignity and respect
WASHINGTON – Representatives Steve Cohen (TN-9) and Dina Titus (NV-1) today led a letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stressing the Congressional intent of provisions in last year’s Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization law regarding the handling of wheelchairs and other mobility devices for air travelers with mobility issues. The letter was also signed by Representatives Christopher Deluzio, Mark DeSaulnier, John Garamendi, Jared Huffman, Jesus Garcia, Pramila Jayapal, Jarold Nadler, Pat Ryan, Greg Stanton, and Frederica Wilson.
The Department of Transportation published a final rule on the provisions after an extended public comment period in December, and the letter writers commend the work that went into it.
The letter reads in part:
“We write to underscore the congressional intent behind Sections 542, 543 and 544 of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024, which were based on provisions we were proud to introduce and champion. These provisions resulted in the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) final rule titled Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air Travelers with Disabilities Using Wheelchairs (Docket No. DOT-OST-2022-0144), which was published on December 16, 2024.
“The final rule strengthens enforcement of the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and fulfills the Department’s statutory obligations under the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act. We appreciate the Department’s thorough process, which included an extended comment period to its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and the review of nearly 2,000 public submissions, ranging from individual travelers to disability rights organizations, airlines, labor, and industry stakeholders…
“Congress acted because the status quo for passengers with disabilities was unacceptable. Disabled passengers, a number of whom are veterans, who use wheelchairs, scooters, and other assistive devices have too often faced systemic barriers to safe air travel ranging from damaged mobility devices to unsafe transfers, inadequate training, and a lack of timely assistance. These experiences have had serious consequences, including loss of independence, injury, and in some tragic cases, death. As United Spinal Association’s Director of Advocacy and Policy Stephen Lieberman stated, ‘This is a massive, systemic problem that has resulted in too many deaths, too many injuries, and too many people feeling like they’re second-class citizens. And yet outside of our community, the awareness isn’t there. The whole country should want to fix this if they only knew what was happening.’ That is why Congress – in a overwhelmingly bipartisan and bicameral fashion – directed DOT to address these failings through enforceable standards and accountability measures…
“We stand ready to provide any additional context or clarification that may support the Department’s continued efforts to fully implement these critical protections.”
See the entire letter here.
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