Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement after hearing reports that Delta Airlines charged 34 U.S. soldiers returning from Afghanistan $2,800 in baggage fees:

"I'm deeply disappointed by this news that Delta Airlines charged soldiers returning from war such excessive baggage fees. These brave men and women put their lives on the line for our safety and security, and this is no way to welcome them home. I'm calling on Delta to immediately reimburse these soldiers for the extra baggage fees.

"Even if Delta was  operating within its current baggage policy, I believe we all have an obligation to returning service members - not just to thank them for their service, but to also ensure that they're not faced with any undue burden on their return. 

"Since being elected to Congress, I have logged hundreds of thousands of miles on Delta - the only carrier serving my home airport in Waterloo. If Delta doesn't reimburse these soldiers and reconsider its approach to servicing our troops, I'll have to reconsider using their service."

Today, Rep. Braley also sent a letter to Delta Airlines expressing his disappointment about the incident. A copy of the letter is available here:http://go.usa.gov/DzR

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