Washington, DC — Today, Congressman Crist (D-St. Petersburg) issued the following statement calling for additional consumer protections should the third coronavirus stimulus package under consideration include financial aid for the airline industry. 

“With the Trump Administration requesting a $50-60 billion financial assistance package for the airline industry in the wake of COVID-19, I am calling for the finances of consumers to be considered with equal gravity.  If taxpayers are being asked to help out an industry, it is only fair that we ask that industry to do right by the taxpayers.  Any aid package for the airlines or other industries in the travel and leisure sector should include provisions to protect passengers by making sure they receive full refunds and likewise be made whole when canceling travel plans.” 

“In these uncertain times we should be doing all that we can to assure the American people that their leaders are working for them, putting the people first.  The people should not be punished for doing the right thing in this time of crisis.”