"The financial stability of the airline industry is one of special concern."
"Congress must take seriously any activity that will seriously and materially affect the airline industry."
"Our Subcommittee, which is tasked with oversight in competition policy and consumers rights, must conduct a thorough examination of this transaction."
"Our country has benefited greatly from airline deregulation ever since that began in 1978."
"it is improper, rather, for Federal agencies to pick winners and losers in the marketplace."
"Mergers are an essential element of our rapidly changing economy."
"the purpose of our antitrust laws is to maximize consumer welfare."
"Many of my constituents in Utah complain about high fares flying into and out of Salt Lake City."
"I thank Senator Klobuchar, the Chair of this Subcommittee, for holding this hearing."
"A number of commentators have expressed concerns about the impacts that the proposed merger could have on certain so-called hub airports."
"The 2010 Horizontal Merger Guidelines state: 'A primary benefit of mergers to the economy is their potential to generate significant efficiencies...'"
"The guidelines also make clear that antitrust officials should credit merger-specific efficiencies..."