A bipartisan group of U.S. senators, led by John Thune and Marsha Blackburn, is advocating for an increase in the mandatory pilot retirement age from 65 to 67, urging the Biden administration to support international efforts at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This coalition includes Democrats Joe Manchin and Mark Kelly, and Republican Lindsey Graham, who emphasize the need for highly qualified pilots for public safety. Previous attempts to raise the retirement age were rejected by Congress, and existing international regulations prevent pilots over 65 from flying in most countries outside the U.S. The senators warned that without U.S. leadership, China could fill the void in this policy area. The Air Line Pilots Association has raised concerns about potential complications from such a change. They are urging Secretary of State Antony Blinken to advocate for this issue internationally.