A group of Florida Democratic lawmakers is calling for Attorney General Pam Bondi to drop her support for a federal challenge to the merger between U.S. Airways and American Airlines.
Seven legislators, including U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings, sent Bondi a letter Friday saying the merger between U.S. Airways Groups Inc. and AMR Corp., the parent company of American Airlines, will result in better pay for airline workers and a significant boost for the South Florida economy.
Hastings, as well as Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Ted Deutch, Frederica Wilson, Lois Frankel, Joe Garcia and Patrick Murphy signed the letter to Bondi.
Republican Bondi and five other attorneys general joined the lawsuit last month filed by the Obama administration’s Department of Justice seeking to block the merger.
In announcing her support, Bondi said the merger would stifle competition, leading to higher ticket prices.
Blocking the union-backed merger would have the opposite effect, Hastings said.
“Rather than help foster greater market competition,” Hastings added, “the DOJ’s lawsuit will effectively pick winners and losers at the cost of airline workers and consumers. This merger is a tremendous opportunity that will impact the future of our airline industry for years to come.
“Withdrawing your support from the DOJ’s lawsuit will help ensure that Floridians and all Americans have more choices when they travel.”
