Delta suspends special services for members of Congress amid shutdown

As the partial government shutdown continues, Delta Air Lines said on March 24 that it was suspending special services for members of Congress.

As the partial government shutdown continues to cause disruptions at the nation's airports, Delta Air Lines said on Tuesday, March 24, that it was suspending special services for members of Congress.

The partial shutdown, which began in mid-February, has impacted the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees the Transportation Security Administration.

"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 to USA TODAY. “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 shutdown has also led to a significant increase in Transportation Security Administration (TSA) call-outs, as employees have worked without regular pay for over a month. Travelers have endured long wait times at security checkpoints at U.S. airports due to staffing shortages. Federal officials said more than 400 TSA officers have resigned since the shutdown began.

Here is what you need to know.