LA Harbor News

Washington D.C.- Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) today introduced the “Vehicle Rental Order Obligation Mandate (VROOM) Act,” which would require rental car companies who cannot fulfill a confirmed reservation to compensate the customer. Currently, rental car companies are under no obligation to compensate the customer when they cannot fulfill a confirmed reservation, unlike when an airline overbooks. Congressman Garcia is joined by cosponsors Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), David Trone (MD-6), Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (GA-04). Text of the bill can be found here.

Under the bill, consumers would have the choice of receiving double the daily confirmed rate – up to $500/day – an upgrade at no additional charge to the consumer, or a downgrade with a refund for the price difference.

“There is nothing more frustrating than getting off a long flight, showing up at the rental car counter and being told the company has no cars for you despite you having a reservation, and they don’t owe you a thing,” said Congressman Garcia. “American consumers are sick and tired of junk fees and broken promises from billion-dollar corporations. The “Vehicle Rental Order Obligation Mandate (VROOM) Act,” is a common-sense solution to ensure rental companies don’t just take a reservation, but actually hold a car.”

The bill has been endorsed by Consumer Reports, Public Citizen, Consumer Action, American Economic Liberties Project, and former FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz. 

Congressman Garcia immigrated to the United States as a young child and was raised in Southern California, becoming a proud U.S. citizen in his 20's. Congressman Garcia believes in defending our democracy, leveling the playing field with progressive education policy, addressing the climate crisis, supporting working families with increasing wages, and fighting to expand and protect essential rights for women, immigrants, and the LGBTQ+ community.  

Original source can be found here.