Washington, DC – Today Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV), a senior member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation, introduced the WHEELChairs on Airplanes Act with Congressman Greg Stanton (D-AZ).

The WHEELChairs on Airplanes Act, building on the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act Rep. Titus introduced last month, would ensure that those who use lithium-ion battery-powered wheelchairs and disability aids would have equal access to the skies by preventing airlines from implementing policies that are more restrictive than current FAA rules. Similar legislation was introduced last session by now-retired Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) whose own experiences with discrimination in air travel led him to push for protecting the rights of travelers with disabilities.

"Barring anyone from boarding an airplane because they use a wheelchair or mobility aid is unacceptable, and we can take action to prevent it from happening,” said Rep. Titus. "Expanding air travel safety and access is only common sense, and my legislation’s simple fix would make a huge difference for travelers with disabilities.”

"Americans with disabilities should have confidence that when they purchase a ticket, airlines will follow federal rules. Arbitrarily denying disabled passengers boarding is wrong, plain and simple,” said Rep. Stanton. “This legislation will make sure disabled passengers can fly safely and with dignity.”

This legislation is supported by Paralyzed Veterans of America.