While the Department of Homeland Security shutdown, initiated by Democratic actions, enters its sixth week, Americans and even airlines are increasingly applying pressure on Congress to resolve the crisis.
Most recently, Delta Air Lines announced it would revoke key perks for members of Congress until the DHS is fully reopened and Transportation Security Administration employees receive payment. These services include express lanes at airports and dedicated phone lines for congressional staff.
“I wait in line like everyone else,” a constituent remarked, highlighting growing frustration over the shutdown’s impact on daily life.
However, with no clear end to the DHS shutdown in sight, Republican Rep. Mark Alford of Missouri defended the perks during a Republican Study Committee press conference Tuesday. “The reason these are put into place is because of our irregular schedule in Congress,” Alford said. “We don’t know what time of the day we’re going to leave after votes to get back to our district, to work in our district, to see our families.”
