I agree that the concept is good, but unlikely to be implemented due to costs as the airlines with international operations would argue that their competitors would not be covered by the same laws. It is also the case that after major weather delays, the problem is often not aircraft availability, but rather aircraft in the "wrong location", crew availability and ATC and Landing slots that pose the problems.
However, there is a problem of airlines which have the excuse of poor weather, thus having no availability, who will schedule the recovery entirely at their own operational efficiency, rather than a "all hands on deck" emergency response to get as many people home as possible. There is also a lack of flexibility by the airlines in helping passengers, so that for example, they could waive rules relating to re-booking, alternative routing and refunds when a major weather crisis throws peoples plans into chaos.
I think regulation is the answer, and a more aggressive approach by the DOT to investigate when a particular airline performs badly compared their peers. The JetBlue debacle in which passengers spents 8+ trapped on a plane and refused permission to get off has significantly changed the way that airline handles such emergencies. Publicity and regulatory pressure will work.
If you want to compare how airlines respond to emergencies, google the response of WestJet and AirCanada to the recent extreme weather in Canada. WestJet clearly responded superbly to the problem, whilst Air Canada's response was lamentable. ~This illustrates the biggest frustration of travellers.. the airlines inflexbility, lack of communication and "couldn't care less" attitude. WestJet, a young upstart, only about a decade old and keen to prove it can do it better, handled the crisis exceptionally well. AirCanada, tired, complacent and arrogant failed its customers completely and has still not recovered.
This is what happens with the likes of Delta, American, United, etc... they are too large, complacent and monopolisitic in attitude and should be broken up. The loss of jobs will be temporary and their replacements will be better, more nibble and more customer focussed.
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