Press Releases
Lee Statement on US Airways, American Airlines Merger
Feb 14, 2013
Today, Senator Lee, ranking member on the Antitrust Subcommittee of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement on the proposed merger between US Airways and American Airlines:
“Mergers are an essential element of our rapidly changing economy, often creating significant efficiencies and helping ensure that resources are put to their most productive use,” said Senator Lee. “In a competitive market, consumers benefit from these efficiencies in the form of high quality products and services at low prices. Absent evidence that a transaction will substantially reduce competition and thereby harm consumers, I believe government intervention is usually unjustified.
“The proposed merger between US Airways and American Airlines has potential to benefit the air travel industry as well as consumers. At the same time, a transaction of this size, which will result in the nation’s largest carrier, poses potential risks for the market. In recent years, the airline industry has become increasingly consolidated and this merger would reduce the number of major carriers to four.
“Antitrust officials must ensure that an additional merger of this magnitude would not lead to higher passenger fares, result in diminished service to regional markets, or allow for coordinated conduct among rivals. I look forward to joining Senator Klobuchar in a thorough review of this transaction and providing oversight of antitrust regulators as they do the same.”
“Mergers are an essential element of our rapidly changing economy, often creating significant efficiencies and helping ensure that resources are put to their most productive use,” said Senator Lee. “In a competitive market, consumers benefit from these efficiencies in the form of high quality products and services at low prices. Absent evidence that a transaction will substantially reduce competition and thereby harm consumers, I believe government intervention is usually unjustified.
“The proposed merger between US Airways and American Airlines has potential to benefit the air travel industry as well as consumers. At the same time, a transaction of this size, which will result in the nation’s largest carrier, poses potential risks for the market. In recent years, the airline industry has become increasingly consolidated and this merger would reduce the number of major carriers to four.
“Antitrust officials must ensure that an additional merger of this magnitude would not lead to higher passenger fares, result in diminished service to regional markets, or allow for coordinated conduct among rivals. I look forward to joining Senator Klobuchar in a thorough review of this transaction and providing oversight of antitrust regulators as they do the same.”
Lee Introduces Immigration Reform Bills
Feb 13, 2013
Senator Mike Lee introduced two pieces of legislation that seek to reform America’s immigration system.
Lee Opposes Hagel
Feb 12, 2013
Today Senator Mike Lee, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, voted against the confirmation of Senator Chuck Hagel to be Secretary of Defense.
Stewart, Colleagues Urge Secretary Salazar to Release Federal Lands in Utah
Feb 7, 2013
Today, Rep. Chris Stewart (UT-02), along with four other members of the Utah delegation, sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Interior Secretary, Ken Salazar, urging the Department to dispose of 5,423 acres of federal land in Utah that has been identified as suitable for disposal by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
