Lee Responds to DOJ’s Airline Merger Challenge

WASHINGTON—Today, Senator Mike Lee, ranking member on the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, released the following statement:

“The Justice Department's decision to challenge the planned merger between American and US Airways is an extremely significant development,” said Senator Lee. “At the Antitrust Subcommittee’s hearing on this transaction, we heard testimony concerning the merger's potential either to benefit or to harm consumers. By focusing its case on the effect of the transaction on competition and consumers, the Department is applying the proper criteria. It is now for the court to decide whether the merger will in fact substantially lessen competition. I intend to continue closely to monitor this transaction and look forward to reviewing in more detail the Department's decision to file suit in this case.”