Res Communis

by P.J. Blount with the blog faculty

H.R. 6446: To amend title 49, United States Code, to require air carriers to establish reduced air fares and more flexible terms for members of the Armed Forces on active duty was introduced on July 9, 2008 by Rep. Tim Murphy (R-PA):

A BILL

To amend title 49, United States Code, to require air carriers to establish reduced air fares and more flexible terms for members of the Armed Forces on active duty.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Homecoming Help for Our Heroes Act’.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

Congress finds that–

(1) the Armed Forces is comprised of approximately 1,400,000 members who are stationed on active duty at more than 6,000 military bases in 146 different countries;

(2) the United States is indebted to the members of the Armed Forces, many of whom are in harm’s way due to their engagement in, or exposure to, combat;

(3) military service, especially in the current war against terrorism, often requires members of the Armed Forces to be separated from their families on short notice, for long periods of time, and under very stressful conditions;

(4) the unique demands of military service often preclude members of the Armed Forces from purchasing discounted airline tickets far in advance in order to visit their loved ones at home; and

(5) it is the patriotic duty of the people of the United States to support the members of the Armed Forces who are defending the Nation’s interests around the world at great personal sacrifice.

SEC. 3. SPECIAL PRICES AND TERMS FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

(a) In General- Chapter 415 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

`Sec. 41512. Special prices and terms for members of the Armed Forces

`(a) Reduced Pricing and Flexible Terms- An air carrier shall–

`(1) offer reduced-price air transportation to members of the Armed Forces on active duty; and

`(2) offer flexible terms that allow members of the Armed Forces on active duty to purchase, modify, or cancel tickets for air transportation without time restrictions, fees, or penalties.

`(b) Price to Offered- The reduced-price air transportation to be offered by an air carrier for a flight under subsection (a)(1) shall be comparable to the lowest price charged by the carrier for transportation on such flight.

`(c) Regulations- The Secretary of Transportation shall prescribe such regulations as are necessary to carry out this section.’.

(b) Conforming Amendment- The analysis for such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following:

`Sec. 41512. Special prices and terms for members of the Armed Forces.’.