Not sure why you think that the airlines are being held hostage by politicians. DC isn't telling people not to buy tickets. Demand is low because business travel has come to a grinding halt. The airlines were already given $25b to get thru 6 months. Unemployment fell from 14.7% to 7.9%, but people still aren't flying, even with mask requirements and airlines blocking middle seats. What happens if another $25b comes through and 6 mos from now, business travel is still flat? $25b more?