Mike Lee

I understand that you have testified in the past with regard to a number of other mergers in the airline industry, and you have recommended against them and, nonetheless, the Department of Justice, under Republican administrations and…

Consumers have a right to be skeptical.

it is improper, rather, for Federal agencies to pick winners and losers in the marketplace.

The financial stability of the airline industry is one of special concern.

The U.S. airline industry touches the lives of almost every American in some way or another.

Our country has benefited greatly from airline deregulation ever since that began in 1978.

A number of commentators have expressed concerns about the impacts that the proposed merger could have on certain so-called hub airports.

Our Subcommittee, which is tasked with oversight in competition policy and consumers rights, must conduct a thorough examination of this transaction.

Lawyers are not cheap, as it turns out.

They want as many possible choices, and they want choices at affordable prices.

when the Federal Government creates a lot of laws. A lot of laws that create a lot of burdens, burdens that sometimes overlap and conflict with one another.

it is the policy of the United States that 'Congress exercise its Constitutional authority to withdraw or otherwise designate or dedicate Federal lands for specified purposes.'

I would really appreciate it if you would commit to me that you would advise the President that it's best to work with locals affected by broad decisions like that in advance of making such a decision.

If you're confirmed to this position, please be sensitive to these local communities.

This land ownership does have benefits for American people everywhere irregardless of where they live.

This is not a burden that should be borne solely by those Federal land rich States.

What does 'imminence' mean if it does not have to involve something immediate?

I would strongly urge you to make that pitch quickly and as forcefully as you can.

the Department of Justice is considering certain reforms to the voter registration system.

Do we not you think that this Committee has an important oversight role over the Department of Justice's role in this analysis?

I have said many times that I believe the single biggest threat to our national security is our debt. So I also believe we have every responsibility to help eliminate that threat.

Can you verify if this is correct, and account for such a massive underestimation?

I put forward an amendment that would prohibit us from getting into a position where we are spending, or contemplating spending, more money on interest on our debt than we are on defense.

But I remain concerned about where the administration's priorities are when we weaken our presence in a region of such huge strategic importance to our national security.

I think we need to be mindful of those concerns and address them accordingly.