The U.S. House of Representatives easily approved a measure to block the U.S. Department of Transportation's proposal to encourage greater foreign investment

in U.S. airlines. "DOT is advancing this interpretation of 'actual control' to conclude an Open Skies agreement with the European Union, an agreement which the State Department and the DOT describe as a major breakthrough, but which in reality, would provide only limited benefits for U.S. airlines," said Rep. James Oberstar (D-MN), co-author of the amendment to a proposed appropriations bill, during floor debate yesterday. DOT's notice of proposed rule-making is open to public comment until 5 July.