Washington, D.C. — Today Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26) sent a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder regarding recent Department of Justice actions to block the merger between American Airlines and US Airways.

“I have grave concerns,” said Congressman Burgess, “about the recent actions taken by the Department of Justice to block the merger of American Airlines and US Airways.  This is yet another attempt by the administration to stifle business and free enterprise and instead create needless government overregulation.  It is time the administration realizes the free market works better without government intervention.  This kind of intrusion is unacceptable and will cause severe harm to two airlines and tens of thousands of their employees.”

On August 13th, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit to block the merger between American Airlines and US Airways.  The lawsuit alleges that the merger would violate anti-trust laws.  

“The Department of Justice’s position is wholly incorrect”, continued Burgess. “The merger does not violate anti-trust laws, and in fact, the merger will create more choices for Americans at a lower cost.”  

The Department of Justice has approved three mergers of major airlines in recent years: Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines in 2008, United Airlines and Continental Airlines in 2010, and Southwest Airlines and AirTran Airways in 2011.  

A full copy of the letter to Attorney General Eric Holder can be found here.