Thank you for contacting me to share your views regarding the Continental/United merger. I read your letter with interest and appreciate that you have taken the time to let me hear and understand your perspective.

Much attention has been given to the merger of Continental and United airlines. Both airlines have gone through a period of uncertainty, through bankruptcy and bailouts, and increased competition from foreign carriers and record level oil prices. There is much skepticism from the public, as customer satisfaction has reached record low levels.

But by these two complementary airlines merging, they will not only maintain jobs within their headquarters, it will put the airline on a more level playing field with its global competitors, thus creating an international airline better able to meet the challenges at home and abroad.

As a Member of the House Judiciary Committee, I attended the House Judiciary Committee Task Force on Competition Policy and Anti-Trust Laws hearing on the merger and heard from not only the CEOs of Delta and Northwest, but also from the unions and employees that are part of this industry. I will continue to monitor the merger as it goes through the Justice Department, and consider not only the benefits for the companies, but for the employees as well.

Thank you once again for sharing your views. I am always eager to hear your concerns and look forward to working with you in the future. For more information, please visit my office online