Delta Suspends Special Service Desk for Congress Members
Delta Air Lines has partially suspended its specialty service desk for members of Congress until funding for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is restored, the airline confirmed on Tuesday. This action comes as security lines at airports nationwide have extended for hours due to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown.
The service desk assists members of Congress in booking flights at special government rates, securing airport escorts, and making last-minute flight changes.
Although the exclusive reservation line for Congress members remains operational, Delta is suspending the desk’s airport escort and red coat services during the shutdown, according to a Delta spokesperson.
“Next to safety, Delta’s No 1 priority is taking care of our people and customers, which has become increasingly difficult in the current environment,” the company stated.
TSA Shutdown and Impact on Airport Security
TSA employees have been working without pay due to the partial government shutdown, which was triggered by disagreements between congressional Democrats and Republicans over DHS funding. As the shutdown extends into its second month, unpaid TSA agents continue to report for duty while airport security lines have extended outside terminals or stretched throughout entire airports.
On Monday, President Donald Trump deployed immigration enforcement agents to about a dozen cities to assist with managing long lines. However, the additional officers did not appear to reduce wait times significantly.
Delta’s largest hub, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, has experienced notable disruptions. Some passengers reported lining up before sunrise on Monday to catch mid-morning flights.
Airline CEOs Call for Congressional Action
Airline CEOs have urged Congress to act swiftly to pass the DHS appropriations bill, expressing frustration that the issue has become a “political football amid another government shutdown.”
“This problem is solvable, and there are solutions on the table. Now it’s up to you, Congress, to move forward on bipartisan proposals that will get federal aviation workers – including TSA officers, US customs clearance officers at airports and air traffic controllers – paid during shutdowns,” the CEOs of several airlines, including Delta, wrote in an open letter to Congress earlier this month.
Senate Passes Bill to Remove Congressional Security Perks
On Friday, the Senate passed legislation introduced by Republican Texas Senator John Cornyn that would eliminate special perks allowing congressional members to bypass security lines.
“We know trust in Congress is at an all-time low, but today, thank goodness, the Senate has taken an important step towards restoring the trust of the people we are here to represent,” Cornyn said in a statement.
