WASHINGTON (AP 2 Nov) — The parent company of United and Continental airlines spent $680,000 to lobby the government during the third quarter, according to a recent disclosure report.

Topics included a House bill that would bar U.S. airlines from paying a European emissions tax. Starting Jan. 1, the EU plans to include all airlines flying to and from its 27 member countries in its cap-and-trade program.

United Continental Holdings Inc. also lobbied on federal aviation issues, including funding for the Federal Aviation Administration. The company said it monitored legislative and federal activity related to pilot flight time rules, aviation security, planned navigation upgrades, and baggage policies for members of the armed forces.

The company also lobbied on spending for the Department of Homeland Security, which runs the Transportation Security Administration, the agency that screens airline travelers.

The lobbying for the July-September quarter was disclosed in a report filed Oct. 18 with the House Clerk's office.

United Continental was formed on Oct. 1, 2010, by the combination of United and Continental airlines.

United Continental spends $680,000 on 3Q lobbying - CBS MoneyWatch.com