Congressman Rick Boucher (D-VA) today issued a statement regarding the Justice Department's approval of the merger between Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc.

"I am pleased that the Department of Justice has concluded its investigation and determined that the XM-Sirius merger does not pose significant competition concerns," stated Boucher. "The Department appropriately defined the relevant market for competitive purposes as the entire marketplace for audio entertainment, including terrestrial radio, Internet radio, and consumer devices, such as iPods. In that broader market, the merged company will have limited ability to raise consumer prices."

"While creating no consumer disadvantage in terms of pricing of services, the merger will lead to significant other consumer benefits," Boucher added, citing the synergies that would allow for a la carte packages to be available to consumers.

"This unprecedented approach will provide subscribers with more choices and lower prices and will pave the way for a form of content acquisition based on the individual programming preferences of listeners."

Boucher concluded: "Given the vibrancy of competition in the audio entertainment market and the substantial consumer benefits that will result, the merger is clearly in the public interest.  I urge the FCC to complete its review of the XM and Sirius transaction expeditiously and allow the two companies to proceed with their merger plans."

Rick Boucher has a history of promoting technology and being active on Internet-related legislation. Boucher's proposals to promote competition in the cable and local telephone industries contributed to the enactment of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

Boucher also originated the House Internet Caucus (and is currently its co-chairman) and created the Digital Media Consumer's Rights Act (DMCRA) legislation.