WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 5556 · 119th Congress

Flight Refund Fairness Act

IntroducedTransportation and Public Works
IntroducedSep 23, 2025
Passed HouseNot yet
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Introduced. Latest step, Sep 24, 2025: Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation. It would change 1 section of existing law.

How this bill changes the law

Sourced

H.R. 5556 would change 1 section of existing law. Read from the bill text as introduced in the House (Sep 23, 2025).

49 U.S.C. 42305 Refunds for cancelled or significantly delayed or changed flights

  • (e) Application to Ticket Agents.— changed · Sec. 2(1), Sec. 2(2) · see the words
What the words would change: every change, in place (3)

Today's wording of each part of the law, with what would be struck out and added. Each change also gives the bill's own instruction, word for word.

  1. 49 U.S.C. 42305(e)(2)changedby H.R. 5556 Sec. 2(1)

    (2) Transfer of funds.—The Secretary shall issue regulations requiring air carriers and foreign air carriers to promptly, not later than the date described in subsection (b), transfer funds to a ticket agent if— (A) the Secretary has determined that the ticket agent is responsible for providing the refund; and (B) the ticket agent does not possess the funds of the passenger.

    The bill says: in paragraph (2), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking "promptly" and inserting ", not later than the date described in subsection (b),"; and

    Bill text · Current law (49 U.S.C. 42305)

  2. 49 U.S.C. 42305(e)(3)changedby H.R. 5556 Sec. 2(2)

    (3) Timing and alternatives.—A refund provided by a ticket agent shall comply with the requirements in subsections (b) and (c) of this section.

    The bill says: by striking "A refund" and inserting the following:

    Bill text · Current law (49 U.S.C. 42305)

  3. 49 U.S.C. 42305(e)(3)(B)changedby H.R. 5556 Sec. 2(2)

    The bill says: in subparagraph (B), as designated by paragraph (2), by striking "subsections (b) and" and inserting "subsection".

    Bill text · Current law (49 U.S.C. 42305)

From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, 2024 edition, which may not yet show changes made since.

What it does

Sourced

The Congressional Research Service hasn't published a summary of this bill yet. They usually follow within weeks of introduction.

Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

What has happened

Sourced
  1. Sep 23, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Show all 4 recorded actions

Cosponsors

  • Mark Alford R-MO-4
  • Emanuel Cleaver D-MO-5
  • Jahana Hayes D-CT-5
  • Sarah McBride D-DE-At Large
  • Jimmy Panetta D-CA-19
  • Scott H. Peters D-CA-50
  • Deborah K. Ross D-NC-2
  • Dina Titus D-NV-1
  • Derek Tran D-CA-45
  • Beth Van Duyne R-TX-24
  • Derrick Van Orden R-WI-3
  • Eugene Simon Vindman D-VA-7
Show 1 more cosponsors
  • Daniel Webster R-FL-11