President Joe Biden’s transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is facing a backlash from both the GOP and the Democrats as tens of thousands of Americans remain stranded at airports across the nation.
The hapless Biden administration was caught flat-footed when Southwest Airlines canceled more than 2,500 flights on Wednesday, which was 62% of its scheduled flights.
The airline also announced plans to cancel an estimated two-thirds of flights in the following days.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) said “Southwest’s flight delays & cancellations are beyond unacceptable.
“This is a company that got a $7 billion taxpayer bailout & will be handing out $428 million in dividends to their wealthy shareholders.
“The Department of Transportation must hold Southwest’s CEO accountable for his greed and incompetence.”
Nina Turner, the national co-chair of Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign, said:
“What’s happening with the railroads, airlines & the supply chain is a result of a small city mayor being made the Secretary of Transportation as a means to pad his resume for President.
“Secretary Buttigieg is a prime example of failing up.”
Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, said:
“The Committee will be looking into the causes of these disruptions and its impact to consumers.
“Many airlines fail to adequately communicate with consumers during flight cancellations.
“Consumers deserve strong protections, including an updated consumer refund rule.”
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) said:
“It took four days and thousands and thousands of cancelations for DOT to finally speak up; same thing, it took four days for the CEO of Southwest to finally speak up.
“I hope at some point the government, when we are intervening and looking at some of these issues, that we are more efficient and more effective.”
“My kids were stranded in Baltimore this weekend and we still don’t know where their luggage is… seems everyone knows someone affected by @SouthwestAir – tonight I discussed on Hannity.”
Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) said:
“If @USDOT is serious about addressing Southwest’s recent implosion, it should prohibit its leader @SecretaryPete from flying private.
“Why wasn’t he aware of these challenges beforehand?
“Late to the game and out of touch.”
Southwest’s flight delays & cancellations are beyond unacceptable. This is a company that got a $7 billion taxpayer bailout & will be handing out $428 million in dividends to their wealthy shareholders. @USDOT must hold Southwest’s CEO accountable for his greed and incompetence.
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) December 29, 2022
My kids were stranded in Baltimore this weekend and we still don’t know where their luggage is… seems everyone knows someone affected by @SouthwestAir – tonight I discussed on Hannity. pic.twitter.com/4LaGBqLfGR
— Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) December 29, 2022
My thoughts are with the thousands of others, like my kids, who got stuck traveling home for the holidays. It’ll be a late Christmas celebration here!
Today my dad made the best dressing ever and mom made an old family aspic recipe – so so good.
Merry Christmas y’all! pic.twitter.com/HcmGT8npfb
— Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) December 26, 2022
