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Memorial Day marks the official start of summer, the time on the calendar when schools end, vacations begin, and families hit the road in search of adventure. It's a happy time, but this year the Biden administration is doing everything it can to slow the season. Here are five White House policies for your summer fun.
1. Airlines
Anyone who has spent time in an airport these days is familiar with the headaches of domestic travel. Delays, cancellations, long lines, overbooked flights: they are all common and none of them pleasant. Sensing its potency at the ballot box, the Biden Administration has become obsessed with so-called “junk fees” – issuing sweeping regulation through the Department of Transportation (DOT) that faced immediate legal challenges – while blocking private sector efforts. To solve the problem.
When JetBlue Airways attempted to acquire Spirit in an effort to boost its bid, Biden's Department of Justice (DOJ) took them to court. The same goes for last year's proposed partnership between JetBlue and American Airlines. The immediate result was fewer services in more cities where JetBlue was forced to suspend operations. Remember next time direct flights are not available or cost an arm and a leg.
SPIRIT AIRLINES EXPLORING RESTRUCTURING OPTIONS AFTER COLLAPSE OF JETBLUE DEAL
2. Gas prices
For those adventurers who take to the roads, the situation is not much better. The average cost of a gallon of gas is $3.60, compared to $2.40 when Donald Trump left office, a 50 percent increase. Recognizing the political danger (seeing a pattern?), the administration is flooding the market by releasing key strategic reserves “to maximize their impact on gasoline prices.”
From day one, the Biden administration has kept its foot on the throats of domestic energy producers to appease the administration's green fringe, which has driven up prices. If you are one of the lucky ones able to fill your tank, don't get used to it. The administration is coming for its cars, issuing sweeping tailpipe emissions rules to force consumers to use electric vehicles that the free market rejects.
3. Technology
Once you're in the car and looking for directions, don't get too comfortable with Google Maps. Last fall, Biden's Justice Department went to court against the California-based company in a reverse lawsuit focused on popular Google products like Search. Its outcome is expected later this year and could lead to fewer consumer options and higher prices.
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4. Food prices
If you get hungry during your trip, buckle up for higher prices. A Big Mac costs $7.49 today, compared to $3.99 at the end of 2019, an increase of 88%. California recently raised its minimum wage at fast food restaurants to $20, leading to job losses and higher prices. A federal standard may not be far behind. Biden has offered little in terms of relief and has instead supported labor bosses in their effort to pass a regulation known as joint employer, a union giveaway that would completely cripple the franchise model.
Meanwhile, Biden's Federal Trade Commission, led by Chairwoman Lina Khan, blocked a proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons that would result in greater access to food for more consumers.
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5. Delivery
So at this point, faced with all these obstacles, you could be forgiven for deciding to “stay on vacation.” Not so fast. To deflect from the endless inflation rates fueled by its spending spree, the Biden administration has targeted some of the country's most successful delivery companies, once again involving so-called “junk rates.”
The Department of Labor (DOL) has tried to undermine their business model by eroding the independent contractor model that allows companies to use delivery drivers to earn a few extra dollars on their own schedule. Meanwhile, the FTC has taken Amazon to court in another lawsuit that could lead to the end of the popular delivery company and the fast shipping and small business ecosystem it provides.
Bidenomics has brought consumer confidence to its lowest level in six months, but we have persevered through difficult times before and we will do it again. Get out and enjoy your summer, and remember that American innovation knows no limits, despite the Biden administration's best efforts.
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