Delta suspends Congress travel perks because of DHS shutdown

Delta Airlines announced Tuesday that it was suspending its travel perks for members of Congress because of a strain on resources from the month-long partial government shutdown. Funding for the Department of Homeland Security ran out last month after the Senate entered a stalemate over funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection officers. But the shutdown has most directly impacted funding for Transportation Security Administration workers, who are operating without pay.
Delta said members of Congress will now be treated like every other passenger until the shutdown is over. Members of Congress were previously given escorts at airports and received specialized customer service.
“Due to the impact on resources from the longstanding government shutdown, Delta will temporarily suspend specialty services to members of Congress flying Delta,” Delta told CNBC. “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.” 
Congress members will still have access to the Capital Desk, which helps members book trips at government rates, make last-minute changes and reserve seats on multiple flights on the same day, according to the New York Times. 
The change comes as airports see a sudden uptick in TSA officers calling in sick because of the shutdown. The DHS has reported that over 450 TSA workers have resigned over the shutdown so far. 
President Donald Trump sent ICE agents to popular airports recently to assist with the staffing shortage. 
Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage. 

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