Rep. Gillen, Rep. Van Drew Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Access to Defibrillators in Transportation Facilities

Washington, DC – Representative Laura Gillen (D-NY-04) and Representative Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-02), members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced the release of H.R.5897, the Public Access to Defibrillation in Transportation Facilities Act of 2025. This bipartisan bill would fund Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) placement in transportation hubs such as airports, train stations and highway rest stops.

“Each year, tens of thousands of Americans suffer sudden cardiac arrest in public spaces. By making sure AEDs are on hand in busy transportation hubs across America, we can save lives,” said Representative Gillen. “I’m proud to lead this bipartisan, commonsense effort to make this lifesaving defibrillation technology more accessible and available.”

“Every second counts when someone experiences cardiac arrest. This legislation ensures that life-saving AEDs are available and accessible in the places where Americans travel every day,” said Representative Van Drew. “Expanding AED access in our nation’s transportation facilities will save lives and strengthen our emergency preparedness across state lines.”

"Defibrillators save lives, and every second counts in an emergency. That’s why it’s so important to raise awareness about having lifesaving equipment in public spaces and honor Robbie’s legacy by helping others and preventing tragedies," said Jill Levine, Co-Founder of the Robbie Levine Foundation. "I’m grateful for Congresswoman Gillen’s bipartisan leadership on this bill, which will make AEDs more accessible in public places and save lives.”

According to the American Heart Association, over 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States each year. The chances of survival decrease by 7–10% for every minute without defibrillation, but with rapid use of an AED, survival rates can double or even triple. 

This bill has been endorsed by: DéjàVu Safety Solutions, Gray’s Army Foundation, the Daniel Phelps Foundation, the Greg Holthaus Memorial Fund, Aidan’s Heart Foundation, Operation Sweet Tooth, the 4Alec Foundation, the Compress and Shock Foundation, EKGs for EGK, the John Taylor Babbitt Foundation, In a Heartbeat, Parent Heart Watch, Living for Zachary, the Community Health Education Foundation–Jonesboro, Heartfelt Harmonies Charity, Starting Hearts, and Bailey’s Heart and Soul Foundation