Politics

Senators Want To Ensure Merger Won't Hurt State

WASHINGTON (WCCO) ― Both Minnesota's U.S. Senators want to make sure that a merger between Northwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines won't hurt the state they represent.

"Today's merger announcement is not just about Wall Street," said Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar. "It's also about Main Street, including the best interests of our consumers, workers and local communities."

Approval of the merger will go through Congressional hearings before it can be made official.

According to a statement released by Klobuchar, she announced that the Senate Commerce Committee will hold a hearing promptly to investigate the potential impact of the merger. She serves on the Commerce Committee, which has oversight authority over the airline industry.

As for Republican Sen. Norm Coleman, he said the merger must protect Minnesota jobs, keep MSP airport a hub and also protect the consumers.

"With four airlines filing for bankruptcy in the last two weeks, today's announcement is a reflection of an industry responding to the new economic realities of our time," said Coleman.

Coleman also said that he, along with the entire Minnesota delegation, will review the details of the merger to make sure the final agreement is in the best interests of Minnesota.

"The executives of these airlines have said that a merger will serve the broad public interest, preserving jobs, competition and high quality airline service," said Klobuchar. "I intend to see that they live up to those promises."

 

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