OFFICE OF TAMMY BALDWIN: Baldwin, Duckworth Lead Bill to Protect and Expand the Rights of Airplane Passengers with Disabilities
On June 18, 2026, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin and Tammy Duckworth, along with Representatives Dina Titus and Steve Cohen, introduced the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act to protect and expand the rights of airplane passengers with disabilities. Aiming to combat systemic travel barriers such as damaged wheelchairs, delayed assistance, and poor onboard accommodations, the legislation strengthens accountability by requiring the Department of Transportation to assess civil penalties for violations and refer discrimination patterns to the Department of Justice. Crucially, the bill grants individuals with disabilities a private right of action to sue in civil court, a major reform that has garnered strong support from numerous veteran and disability advocacy organizations, including Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
