Delta suspends special services for members of Congress until TSA’s funding lapse ends

WASHINGTON — Delta Air Lines has suspended special airport services for members of Congress who fly with the airline until the partial government shutdown is resolved, which would restore pay to the Transportation Security Agency and other federal workers who support airline travel. 

In a statement, Delta said it is temporarily halting specialty services typically provided to lawmakers, such as airport escorts and “red coat” assistance, citing resource challenges during the shutdown.

“Due to the impact on resources from the longstanding government shutdown, Delta will temporarily suspend specialty services to members of Congress flying Delta,” the airline 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.”

Under the change, lawmakers will no longer receive preferential treatment based on their elected status. Instead, access to expedited services will depend on frequent flyer status through Delta’s SkyMiles program, aligning them with standard passengers.

Delta said its Capital Desk, a reservations line dedicated to members of Congress, will remain open.

The move comes as airports nationwide face long lines and delays during the busy spring travel season, driven in part by staffing shortages at TSA. The agency has been affected by the lapse in funding tied to the broader shutdown of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

With TSA workers going without pay, airport operations have come under increasing pressure, prompting airlines to adjust services. 

As the time period between paychecks increases, an increasing number of TSA employees are calling out, leaving long lines at airports around the country that can take hours to pass through. 

Meanwhile, lawmakers in Washington say negotiations to end the impasse may be gaining traction.

A group of Republican senators met late Monday at the White House with Donald Trump to discuss a potential deal. The proposal under consideration would fund much of the Department of Homeland Security  while excluding funding for key immigration enforcement operations conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said talks were moving in a positive direction.

“All I can say is that the discussions have been very positive and productive, and hopefully headed in the right direction,” Thune said.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer echoed that sentiment, saying both parties were “working in a serious way.”

The shutdown, now stretching into its second month, stems from a dispute over immigration enforcement funding. Democrats have pushed to limit funding for ICE’s enforcement and removal operations, a central component of Trump’s deportation agenda.

A potential compromise would continue funding for agencies such as Customs and Border Protection and ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations division, while imposing new guardrails such as requirements for officers to wear body cameras and identification.

The standoff has already created an unusual situation at over a dozen major airports across the U.S. Over the weekend, Trump ordered ICE officers to assist with airport security functions, a move that drew concern from some lawmakers.