DHS Partial Shutdown Causes Airport Delays; Airlines Suspend Lawmaker Travel Perks

By Riley Rogerson

*Published: 2026-03-26*

A partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, which began on February 14, 2026, after Democrats blocked a two-week continuing resolution for DHS funding on February 12, has led to extended security lines at airports nationwide. The dispute stems from Democratic demands for oversight and reforms following two fatal shootings by federal immigration agents in January 2026: Renée Good, killed by an ICE agent on January 7, and Alex Pretti, a Virginia nurse, killed by a CBP agent on January 24 in a case ruled a homicide.

Delta Air Lines, the largest U.S. carrier, announced Tuesday that it was suspending airport escorts and assistance from special “red coat” agents for lawmakers amid the shutdown. The airline’s dedicated “Capital Desk” reservations line for lawmakers remains operational.

Airports have presented challenges for members of Congress in the past. In 2007, former Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho) was arrested in a bathroom sex sting at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, contributing to the end of his political career. Former Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R-N.C.) and Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.) received citations for attempting to bring firearms through security checkpoints. On the Democratic side, former Rep. Corrine Brown (D-Fla.) was convicted in 2016 of fraud involving travel-related perks through a sham charity, and Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) faced a 2024 bribery trial that included allegations of luxury travel benefits.

More recently, Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) faced criticism in October after reports that she verbally abused workers at Charleston International Airport following a mix-up with her security escort. The incident drew attention during her gubernatorial campaign.

Videos of lawmakers receiving escorts have circulated widely amid the current delays. On Thursday, Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) reposted pre-shutdown footage of Mace and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) being escorted through airports while expressing support for Sen. John Cornyn’s (R-Texas) measure addressing such practices. “Neither Republicans nor Democrats should be skipping the line while constituents are facing 4+ hour waits across the country,” Hinson said.

More than 20 lawmakers interviewed by POLITICO on Thursday expressed sympathy for the unpaid TSA agents affected by the shutdown. Many reported personal delays. “My staff has been crushed. I got crushed a couple times. I got caught in the mess,” said Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.), a frequent flyer from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, the nation’s busiest airport. “First time I walked in, I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh, pandemonium.’”

Rep. Burgess Owens (R-Utah), who uses Salt Lake City International Airport, a Delta hub, said he does not use special airline services for lawmakers and welcomed their pause. “Across the board, we should be living the same experience and pain that we give to other people,” he said.

“I don’t think we deserve any special perks,” said Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.), prioritizing constituents’ ability to clear lines.

Lawmakers diverged on responsibility for the shutdown. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) said Democrats have proposed standalone TSA funding bills, adding, “Trump just refuses to take the deal.” House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) countered on Fox News that “Democrats are refusing to fund the government.” Right-leaning outlets, including Fox News and Breitbart, have attributed the impasse to Democratic opposition to Republican partial funding proposals, citing priorities such as immigration enforcement.

Oriana Pawlyk contributed to this report.