Sanders to Justice Department: Block AT&T purchase of Time Warner

“That is the function of antitrust laws,” he added. “I ask you to enforce them and block the merger.” 

The deal has gotten pushback from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said the Judiciary Committee, which he oversees, would hold a hearing on the agreement “to examine the impact on competition and consumers.”

GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump took a hard line against the deal before it was announced, saying it would not be approved if he wins the White House. 

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), the Democratic vice presidential nominee, separately told NBC’s “Meet the Press” that “pro-competition and less concentration, I think, is generally helpful, especially in the media.” 

Asked about Kaine’s and Trump’s remarks, AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson told the Hollywood Reporter they were “uninformed comments.”