WASHINGTON -- Airlines are more interested in "rushing to gobble
each other up" than in customer service, according to Rep. Peter
DeFazio (D-Ore.), co-author of a bill that would put a temporary
halt to airline mergers.
"It's time to put the brakes on merger mania," said DeFazio, a
member of the House Transportation Committee and an outspoken
critic of the airlines.
Along with Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.), DeFazio sponsored the
Merger Moratorium Act, which would put a one-year moratorium on
airline mergers.
"We are in the midst of a merger tsunami," said Slaughter, who
contends airline deregulation has limited competition and driven up
air fares to some cities.
"The new administration and the Congress need some time to
understand the possible impact of these mergers that threaten to
sweep away consumer choice in a tide of consolidation," Slaughter
said. "The results will be higher fares and even shoddier service
than air travelers receive now."
Slaughter also sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Norman
Mineta asking him to call for a one-year moratorium on airline
mergers.
Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) floated a similar proposal
during a hearing on airline mergers before the Senate antitrust
subcommittee.
Several other members of Congress have voiced concerns over the
proposed merger of United Airlines and US Airways and the
possibility other airlines may follow their lead.