On the recordMay 19, 2016
I thank my colleague and friend from Illinois for his leadership on this issue and his support for the initiative that Senator Markey and I first raised, which he has supported so very helpfully, and essentially that is to persuade the airlines to stop charging for bags that are checked onto planes as opposed to being carried on. Obviously, the fee for checking those bags adds to the number of carry-ons and provides an incentive for larger numbers of carry-ons. In fact, TSA itself reports that there has been an increase in carry-ons due to these fees. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that I be permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection? Without objection, it is so ordered.
