Representative Adriano Espaillat Introduces Groundbreaking Air Travelers Right to Know Act

WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) introduced the Air Travelers Right to Know Act, a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at enhancing the safety and well-being of air travelers nationwide through airline transparency and accountability regarding potential toxic fume exposure onboard aircraft. 

Air travel grows each year and serves as a vital mode of transportation for millions of Americans annually. However, the unseen risks associated when flying, particularly toxic fume exposure, demand immediate attention. The Air Travelers Right to Know Act protects passengers, pilots, and cabin crew by mandating air carriers disclose information on toxic fume risk, notify passengers of exposure events, and impose penalties for failure to disclose such information.  

Additionally, it requires operators to inform crewmembers of recent toxic fume exposure on aircraft and provides them with the option to decline assignments if the issue remains unresolved. 

“As we become a more health-conscious and planet-conscious society, everyone should be afforded the ability to make informed decisions about what toxic fumes they could potentially be exposed to when air traveling,” said Rep. Espaillat. “Airline operators must ensure transparency and accountability by fully disclosing vital information that could put both passenger and crew members’ health at risk. I am committed to fighting for a more just and transparent airline industry, prioritizing the health and safety of passengers and airline workers.”  

Representative Espaillat has long advocated for a more accountable and fair airline industry encouraging protecting consumers, regulating airline monopolies, and encouraging better prices and routes for underserved areas. 

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Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fourth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 118th Congress. He is also a member of the House Budget Committee and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), where he serves in a leadership role as the Deputy Chair as well as Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI). Rep. Espaillat is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov