Friend,
From airlines to cruise lines, big industries seem to have no shame.
As our country endures the devastating impacts of the coronavirus, they've put profits over people at every turn. American families are struggling. That's why I'm doing everything in my power to bring urgently needed accountability, and I'm asking you to lend your voice to this critical fight today:
At the outset of this crisis, airlines forced many Americans stranded abroad to pay sky-high costs to fly home. And now, even after a massive taxpayer-funded bailout, the industry is refusing to issue cash refunds for flights postponed due to COVID-19 – offering temporary air travel vouchers instead.
People who’ve lost their jobs and are struggling to make ends meet can't put dinner on the table with a travel voucher. They need their cash reimbursed. The airline industry is, to be frank, screwing the very taxpayers whose money is going into their pockets.
Meanwhile, despite the glaring health and safety issues highlighted by this pandemic, cruise lines are racing to set sail again without concern for when it's safe to do so. Their ships are essentially small, floating cities without safeguards – and as we’ve already seen on multiple occasions, potential hotbeds for the spread of COVID-19. And as they pay no taxes – being incorporated in places like Panama specifically to avoid having to pay them – they contribute nothing to our national economy but are also asking for a taxpayer-funded handout.
The bottom line is this: There should be no blank-check industry bailouts without a commitment to consumer protection. As I continue fighting for that bottom line at a moment when it matters more than ever, I'm counting on you to stand with me by signing my petition now.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate your voice in this fight. Thank you.
Dick
