My Reply:

Thank you for contacting me to share your concern with the antitrust immunity application submitted by Continental Airlines Inc. and Star Alliance to the Department of Transportation (DOT). I appreciate learning of your views.



As you know, DOT tentatively approved Continental Airline's Inc.'s application to join Star Alliance April 7, 2009. While Congress has no direct role in examining the merits of the individual application, I will monitor the decision of DOT and its consequences for U.S. travel. I am hopeful DOT will protect the best interests of American workers and our airline industry's global competitiveness.



Thank you again for contacting me. Please feel free to do so again regarding any issue of importance to you.