WASHINGTON—Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, questioned witnesses in the hearing titled: “The American Airlines/US Airways Merger: Consolidation, Competition, and Consumers.”

"I believe this merger holds the promise of cost savings through combining complementary assets, reducing duplicative operating expenses, and integrating computer systems and airline fleets,” said Senator Lee.  “In a competitive market, consumers benefit from such efficiencies in the form of higher-quality services, like an expanded route network, at low prices."

"Absent evidence that a transaction will substantially reduce competition and thereby harm consumers, I believe government intervention is usually unwarranted."

"I look forward to working with the Department of Justice as it carefully examines this merger under our nation's antitrust laws."

Witnesses in today’s hearing included Douglas Parker, Chairman and CEO of US Airways Group; Thomas Horton, Chairman, President and CEO of American Airlines and AMR Corporation; Diana L. Moss, Director and Vice President of the American Antitrust Institute; and William McGee, Consultant at Consumers Union.

The full text of Senator Lee’s opening remarks is available here, and his exchanges with the witnesses can be viewed below.