Story perspectives

Delta Suspends Congressional Perks Amid TSA Funding Crisis

3/24/2026

Center

Delta Suspends Congressional Services

Delta Air Lines suspends its specialty services for members of Congress amid a partial government shutdown affecting TSA.
TSA workers have gone unpaid since funding lapsed on February 14, causing long security lines.
Delta says Congress members will receive the same customer service as regular passengers based on SkyMiles status.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian criticized the situation, urging compensation for TSA agents.
The suspension is temporary with no end date.

Right

Hinson Targets Congressional Privileges

Rep. Ashley Hinson introduced the End Special Treatment for Congress at Airports Act to end preferential airport treatment for lawmakers during the partial government shutdown.
The bill is a counterpart to a recently passed Senate measure.
Hinson criticized Democrats for TSA funding lapse, causing delays and over 400 TSA agents quitting.
The bill is expected to gain support in the House, but a vote date remains uncertain.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 federal government shutdown furloughed over 800,000 employees, causing significant disruptions, including long airport security lines due to TSA staffing shortages. This event highlighted ongoing tensions between lawmakers and federal workers. In response to a similar shutdown today, Delta Air Lines has suspended preferential services for Congress members, emphasizing the public's demand for accountability and equitable treatment in government funding.

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Delta Suspends Congressional Services

Delta Air Lines suspends its specialty services for members of Congress amid a partial government shutdown affecting TSA.
TSA workers have gone unpaid since funding lapsed on February 14, causing long security lines.
Delta says Congress members will receive the same customer service as regular passengers based on SkyMiles status.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian criticized the situation, urging compensation for TSA agents.
The suspension is temporary with no end date.

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