AFA-CWA Advocating for Flight Attendant Priorities on Capitol Hill Candidate Endorsements-MEC Government Affairs

Flight Attendants work in one of the most regulated industries. Decisions that affect our safety and security, our work environment, and our job security are made in Washington, D.C., which can impact us for better or worse. When AFA successfully shepherds a Flight Attendant issue through the legislative process until it is enacted into law, we are harnessing our power and taking charge of the regulations we deserve.

The AFA Government Affairs Department lobbies members of Congress, trains and organizes grassroots AFA Member activism, and builds power through our Political Action Committee (FlightPAC). AFA Members are trusted aviation professionals: frequently invited to provide expert advice and give testimony on behalf of Flight Attendants in Congressional Hearings. The AFA Government Affairs Department and our extensive network of Flight Attendant activists influence decisions made at the highest levels of government that directly impact our profession.

Endorsement Process

How does AFA-CWA build and support relationships with lawmakers who will champion Flight Attendant priorities? Let’s walk through the Candidate Endorsement Process:

• In accordance with the AFA Constitution and Bylaws, all political work, including endorsements, is made by the AFA Political Legislative Policy Committee in consultation with the Government Affairs Director and the International President.
• AFA evaluates incumbent members on their support for the Flight Attendant profession, labor rights, healthcare, and social and democratic issues.
• New candidates must return an AFA-CWA Candidate Questionnaire to be considered for endorsement by AFA-CWA.
• Candidates must seek/request an AFA endorsement; we do not weigh in on every race. It is rare for AFA to weigh in on Primary elections.
• AFA primarily makes endorsements for the Federal Office. Special consideration is given to AFA members seeking elected office as well as other State and Local candidates who reach out to request our endorsement and have demonstrated a commitment to Flight Attendants.

Legislators who receive our endorsement have committed to supporting legislative priorities that protect our profession, our careers, and aviation safety.

Current Legislative Priorities (See full list here) :

• Safer Skies Act (HR 2353): This Legislation strengthens aviation security by closing a loophole in passenger screening.
• Safe Air on Airplanes Act (H.R. 4994): This Legislation mandates that future aircraft types cannot use bleed air, eliminating the risk of flight crews and passengers to toxic hydraulic fluid and engine oil exposure and consequent debilitating health consequences.
• ROTOR (H.R. 6333/S 2503) and the ALERT Act (H.R. 7613): These bills offer technologies to prevent mid-air collisions following a military helicopter flying into PSA Flight 5342.
• The FAMILY Act (H.R. 5390/D. 2823): This bill would create a program to provide workers with up to 12 weeks of partial income for FMLA.

Our Endorsement Process in Action;

Candidate: Kaela Berg MN 02

An AFA member and Endeavor Flight Attendant, Kaela Berg, is running for Congress! Since becoming a Minnesota State House Representative in 2021, AFA-CWA member and Union Flight Attendant Kaela Berg has been a leading force behind much pro-union and working-family legislation, including banning captive-audience meetings and securing unemployment benefits for striking workers.

Kaela has walked the picket line – her own and for other Flight Attendants and aviation workers. Send a Flight Attendant labor champion to Congress.

Kaela is one of 74 candidates endorsed so far for the upcoming Midterm elections on November 3, 2026. When we endorse candidates like Kaela, who have committed to our priorities, it puts the weight of our Union behind them. The successful election of a Labor-endorsed candidate means more allies we can trust and count on to fight alongside us in Washington regardless of party lines.

If you are interested in learning more about the work of our Union in good aviation and labor legislation, ask your Local Council about getting involved and becoming a member of your Government Affairs Committee.