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FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009

Floor Speech

Date: May 21, 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Transportation


FAA REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2009 -- (House of Representatives - May 21, 2009)

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Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the FAA Authorization Act of 2009, which deals with international airline alliances, which under current law, are eligible for antitrust immunity.

I want to focus on section 425 in my limited time. It directs a study on the procedure by which these airline alliances are approved and given antitrust immunity. It would also sunset all such antitrust immunity in 3 years. After that time, the airlines would have to reapply under whatever new standards the Secretary of Transportation adopts as a result of the study.

Mr. Chairman, sound antitrust policy is a critical part of ensuring that customers receive the full benefits of a competitive marketplace. As chairman of the Judiciary Committee's Courts and Competition Policy Subcommittee, I'm committed to ensuring that international air transportation policy is properly reconciled with sound antitrust policy.

I appreciate the Transportation Committee's commitment to this, and I also appreciate the Judiciary Committee for allowing us to share in this. I thank you very much.


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