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MEMORIALIZING THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO IMPOSE A MORATORIUM ON MAJOR AIRLINE INDUSTRY MERGERS

WHEREAS, Economic development and prosperity are dependent upon a competitive airline industry providing reasonable rates, access, and efficient services for the transportation of people and goods; and

WHEREAS, Competition in the airline industry will be drastically reduced if pending mergers are allowed to proceed without comment from consumer, business, and labor organizations; and

WHEREAS, Airline industry competition is essential to keeping prices reasonable and service satisfactory for consumers and business travelers, and lack of competition will cause longer delays in air travel and decreased customer service; and

WHEREAS, These merger proposals will inevitably lead to further consolidation in the airline industry. This consolidation will decrease service and access in certain markets and localities, and hinder or prevent new low-cost airline carrier's entrance into the market; and

WHEREAS, The United States Congress and Departments of Justice and Transportation are examining the proposed airline mergers; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations expresses concern over the prospect of decreased competition in the airline industry and the adverse economic and other impacts on this State, the surrounding region, and the nation as a whole; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby urges the President, the Congress, and the Departments of Justice and Transportation of the United States to impose a moratorium on major airline industry mergers in order to fully and carefully consider all consequences; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby urges the Attorney General of this State to separately communicate these and related concerns to the Attorney General and the Secretary of Transportation of the United States; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he is hereby authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the President of the United States; the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States; the President of the Senate of the United States; the Attorney General of the United States; the Secretary of Transportation of the United States; and the Attorney General of the State of Rhode Island.