Is there, then, a market that has been created that would give consumers options from JetBlue, from other smaller airlines?

This proposed measure is going to have a dramatic impact on my home City of Houston, and certainly on the people who work at Continental.

But, I'm trying to go beyond just Southwest, and beyond just worrying about the big airlines.

part of their operating competitive difference has been going to different airports--Chicago Midway instead of O'Hare; Love Field instead of DFW.

Well, they do serve small cities. Lubbock, Texas; Amarillo, Texas--they are in those cities.

Mr. President, I rise today to speak on the Thune amendment. This is the Republican alternative. Of course, we now know the Baucus package did not get the 60 votes required to go forward and, therefore, we are now looking at the Republican…

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Franken). Without objection, it is so ordered. Amendment No. 4333

I remain concerned about the ramifications of this decision on the thousands of people who are part of Continental.

I think that has been part of the problems that American airlines have faced, among others.

I also believe that government should not get in the way of business decisions, as long as they're within the law.

I am concerned about the overall health of the industry with these mega-mergers that we are seeing, and if there can continue to be competition.