Lawmakers heading through airports are losing a familiar convenience as the battle over federal funding drags on in Washington, D.C.
According to the New York Post, Delta Air Lines has suspended special travel services for members of Congress and their staff, citing strain caused by the ongoing partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security.
The move targets a long-standing set of perks that helped lawmakers navigate airports more easily, including escorts and premium assistance services.
While a dedicated reservation line for Capitol Hill travelers remains active, those flying with Delta will now be “treated as any passenger based on their respective SkyMiles status.”
“Due to the impact on resources from the longstanding government shutdown, Delta will temporarily suspend specialty services to members of Congress flying Delta,” the company said in a statement.
“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 airline’s decision comes as pressure builds over the lapse in funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which has left thousands of Transportation Security Administration workers without full pay for weeks.
Ed Bastian, the company’s chief executive, has been outspoken about the situation. He recently criticized lawmakers for allowing the impasse to continue, calling it “inexcusable.”
“It’s inexcusable that our security agents, our frontline agents, that are essential to what we do, are not being paid, and it’s ridiculous to see them being used as political chips,” Bastian said. “We’re outraged.”
The effects of the funding lapse are being felt across the country. At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, passengers recently faced wait times stretching beyond four hours, with lines spilling outside the terminal.
Nationwide, absentee rates among TSA workers have surged, climbing from about 2% before the shutdown to more than 10%, according to agency officials. Hundreds of employees have already left their positions during the standoff.
Officials have warned that smaller airports could face closures if the situation continues.
The dispute in Congress centers on funding for immigration enforcement, with Democrats pushing for policy changes and Republicans resisting those demands.
Amid the deadlock, President Donald Trump has rejected compromise proposals and escalated criticism of Democrats.
“I don’t think we should make any deal with the Crazy, Country Destroying, Radical Left Democrats unless, and until, they Vote with Republicans to pass ‘THE SAVE AMERICA ACT,’” Trump said.
As negotiations stall, even routine travel for lawmakers is becoming another pressure point in a widening standoff.
