President Joe Biden has issued a statement in response to the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) decision to ban hidden junk fees related to hotel bookings and event ticket purchases. He emphasized his commitment to prioritizing families and hardworking Americans by working towards lowering costs.
Biden highlighted the common frustration of encountering unexpected fees during the final stages of checkout, which he referred to as "junk fees." These charges, according to him, unfairly increase costs for consumers. "Those fees add up, taking real money out of the pockets of Americans," he stated.
The FTC's action is part of a broader effort by Biden's administration to eliminate such fees and reduce expenses for families. This initiative includes measures taken by other agencies. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has reduced overdraft and credit card late fees. The Department of Transportation has proposed banning family seating fees while requiring upfront disclosure of baggage and change fees. Additionally, the Federal Communications Commission has mandated that consumers receive clear information about the full price and terms for internet services.
Biden concluded by affirming his administration's ongoing efforts against big corporations attempting to impose additional charges on bills: "Wherever big corporations try to sneak fees onto bills, my Administration has been fighting on behalf of American families to ban them."
