Biden vows to crack down on surprise hotel fees and airlines charging families $50 to sit together 

President Joe Biden used his State of the Union speech on Tuesday evening to highlight his war on junk fees — the hidden charges used by companies to screw more cash out of consumers.

It has been one of his more populist pushes, putting him on the same side as families struggling to make ends meet. 

‘I know how unfair it feels when a company overcharges you and gets away with it,’ he said. ‘Not anymore.

‘We’ve written a bill to stop all that. It’s called the “Junk Fee Prevention Act.”

‘We’ll ban surprise “resort fees” that hotels tack on to your bill. These fees can cost you up to $90 a night at hotels that aren’t even resorts.’

The line — essentially a dad joke — got a laugh in the chamber.

President Joe Biden used his State of the Union speech on Tuesday evening to highlight his war on junk fees — the hidden charges used by companies to screw more cash out of consumers

The House chamber during Biden’s State of the Union Address

‘The idea that cable internet and cell phone companies can charge you 200 or more if you decide to switch to another provider … give me a break. 

‘We can stop service fees on tickets to concerts and sporting events and make companies disclose all the fees up front. 

‘I will prohibit airlines from charging $50 round trip for a family just to be able to sit together. 

‘Baggage fees are bad enough. Airlines can’t treat your child like a piece of baggage. 

Read Related Also: The Idaho Student Murders – CBS News

‘Americans are tired of being played for suckers.’

Biden was addressing a joint session of Congress for the third time as president, in what many expect will provide a springboard to his 2024 run.

It was the first time he has done it with a Republican speaker sitting behind his shoulder, and he called on the GOP to work him to ‘finish the job’ of rebuilding the economy. 

He listed his achievements as well as tasks unfurnished, as he sought to portray a country radically different from the pandemic-battered America he took over two years ago. 

Democrats congratulated Biden after his speech as he made his way out of the chamber

‘The story of America is a story of progress and resilience. Of always moving forward. Of never giving up. A story that is unique among all nations,’ he said.

‘We are the only country that has emerged from every crisis stronger than when we entered it. That is what we are doing again.’

But partisan divides were on clear display.

Democrats — including Vice President Kamala Harris — took to their feet as Biden hit his applause lines.

Republicans heckled him at times, and shouted, ‘liar,’ when he said they planned to abolish social security and Medicare. 

Afterwards they accused him of using his position to deliver a campaign speech.

Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said: ‘Biden doubled down on his disastrous and polarizing agenda which has left working families behind. 

‘Instead of taking responsibility for the multiple crises he and Democrats created, Biden blamed everyone but himself for historic inflation, skyrocketing crime, and a porous southern border. Biden once again proved he is the divider-in-chief.’