Representatives Cohen and Underwood Introduce Cash Refunds for Coronavirus Cancellations Act

Press Release

Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) and Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) today introduced the Cash Refunds for Coronavirus Cancellations Act. The bill would require major airlines and third-party ticket sellers to offer full cash refunds for all cancelled tickets during the coronavirus pandemic, regardless of whether the airline cancelled an entire flight or if the passenger cancelled his or her individual ticket.

A companion measure was introduced in the Senate by Edward J. Markey (D-Massachusetts), Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut), and Kamala Harris (D-California) on May 13.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

"At a time when Americans need cash to pay for food, housing and medical care, the airlines have a moral responsibility to return ticket money to consumers, especially after they received a multi-billion-dollar bailout from the American people."

Congresswoman Underwood made this statement:

"During this pandemic, I have heard from seniors unable to receive refunds for trips they can no longer take due to health concerns from the virus, and from families struggling to get their money back for cancelled flights. Families across the country are facing financial insecurity, the least we can do is ensure they can easily get money back from cancelled flights."

Senator Markey made this statement:

"Americans need cash in their pockets to pay for food, housing, and prescriptions, not temporary credits toward future travel. In light of this pressing need, and an unprecedented multi-billion dollar bailout, it's unconscionable that the airlines won't give consumers their money back for cancelled tickets. I am proud to partner with Representatives Cohen and Underwood on this essential issue. I look forward to fighting together to make full cash refunds mandatory during the coronavirus pandemic."

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