Hudson's airline fee limits pass Congress

WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson’s bill to limit airline fees passed unanimously in the Senate on Friday and will advance to the president’s desk to be signed into law.

H.R. 5462 is the first bill introduced by the Concord Republican to pass both houses of Congress. The bipartisan bill won unanimous approval in the House of Representatives in September. Hudson said the legislation limits fees air carriers can charge their passengers and clarifies congressional intent on the fee structure.

“In tough economic times, I know that every extra dollar spent on more fees and taxes adds up,” Hudson said in a written statement. “Rolling back fees and reducing taxes on airline passengers benefits everyone — from helping families save money when traveling for the holidays to cutting costs for small businesses whose employees travel for work.

“I’m proud of the bipartisan, bicameral support this legislation received, and I hope the president will join us in our efforts to save American taxpayers from shelling out millions of dollars in extra fees. I came to Washington to make life better for folks in North Carolina, and I remain committed to working with leaders on both sides of the aisle to champion real solutions like this.”

Since Sept. 11, 2001, aviation user fees have helped to cover security costs. Congress simplified the aviation user fee structure last year by creating a flat $5.60 fee per one-way trip, with the intent of keeping a round trip cap in place. Instead, the Transportation Security Administration has begun charging this fee without a round-trip cap, which Hudson said significantly increases fees for passengers.

Hudson said the legislation will protect the traveling public from excess charges and make air travel more accessible, leading to more frequent trips, increased tourism and more dollars invested in local economies.