WASHINGTON, D.C. – During a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing today on the proposed merger between United Airlines and Continental Airlines, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Committee, said she was disappointed with the proposed merger decision.

“The proposed measure is going to have dramatic impact on my home city of Houston and certainly on the people who work at Continental,” said Senator Hutchison.  “It is a hard sell in Texas and I am disappointed in the decision to merge because I have worked very hard to support alliances so that we could avoid a merger. I have worked hard in my Senate term to promote the long-term viability of the airlines, whether they are based in Texas, or elsewhere in the country.  While I appreciate the fact that Houston will remain the largest hub of the new carrier, and there have been promises that it will have a bright future, I remain concerned about the ramifications to employees at Continental who make the Houston area their home.” 

Senator Hutchison said she expects the merger will likely be approved after receiving review by the Department of Justice and the Department of Transportation, but she remains concerned about the impact on employees, pensions, and the overall integration of the two varied cultures of the respective airlines. 

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You can view Senator Hutchison’s opening statement here.