Delta suspends benefits for members of Congress, cites Department of Homeland Security shutdown

No heavenly privileges for you!

Delta Airlines The air carrier said Tuesday it has suspended its airport escort and red coat services for members of Congress and their staff due to the ongoing partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security.

The move comes a week after Delta CEO Ed Bastian criticized Congress during an interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” for failing to allow TSA agents to be paid during the shutdown of the agency that includes the TSA.

“Due to the impact on resources due to the prolonged government shutdown, Delta will temporarily suspend specialized services for members of Congress flying on Delta,” Delta said in a statement to CNBC.

“Beyond safety, Delta’s top priority is taking care of our employees and customers, which has become increasingly difficult in the current environment,” the airline said.

Delta’s actions were first reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Delta Capital Desk, a reservation line for members of Congress and staff, remains open.

But for now, these customers will be treated like any other travelers based on their SkyMiles status.

The move comes as airports across the US, including major hubs in cities like Atlanta, where Delta is based, are seeing very long security lines as a result of high rates of absenteeism by TSA agents, who are set to lose their second full paychecks this week.

Last week, Bastian expressed anger to CNBC, saying it was “inexcusable that our security agents, our front-line agents, who are essential to what we do, are not getting paid. It is ridiculous to see them being used as political foil.”

“So, we’re angry,” Bastian said.

“And if there’s a call to action here — and I think more than 90% of the American public supports these people who are getting paid — ask our people here in Washington to do their job, and pay our people. They can do that,” the CEO said.

United AirlinesWhen asked by CNBC if she had suspended similar privileges for members of Congress, she said: “We don’t have any changes to announce today.”

CNBC requested comment from American Airlines About its services to federal legislators.

Airline executives have criticized lawmakers in recent months, urging them to ensure essential government employees like TSA officers are paid during shutdowns, which have become increasingly common.

Repeated funding impasses, including in early 2019 and last fall, ended shortly after the absence of government employees who were asked to work without pay during the shutdown.