Delta is suspending special services for conference members amid TSA delays caused by the shutdown

Delta Air Lines has cut off special services for members of Congress at airports, as the industry continues to feel the effects of the government’s failure to pay the Transportation Security Administration.

On Tuesday morning, Delta released a statement saying it would temporarily suspend special services for members of Congress “due to the resource impact of the extended government shutdown.”

Members of Congress are given special treatment at airports, including expedited screening, airport escorts to skip long security lines, and dedicated reservation desks that, among other things, allow them to make last-minute changes.

TSA workers entered their third term without pay as funding for parts of the Department of Homeland Security was suspended due to disagreements between the White House and Congress over immigration enforcement and voting policies.

“Aside from safety, Delta’s No. 1 priority is taking care of our people and customers, which has become more difficult in the current environment,” the airline said in a statement.

NBC News has requested comment on the ongoing situation at other major airlines.

A spokesperson for Southwest Airlines said the company is monitoring lines closely at its stations and is “working with customers who may have missed flights due to unexpected delays. For those customers, we are doing everything we can to accommodate them without penalty on the next flight to their destination,” the spokesperson said.

Two industry sources pointed to the amount of business the airlines have before Congress — one of which directly cited the bailout at times — arguing that companies should avoid alienating or angering lawmakers as they seek a solution.

“Go through this,” said one airline representative. “Don’t do things to the members.”

Many airports have been hit by security cords that cut across entryways and take travelers more than four hours or more to clear.

As of Monday, 10.93% of TSA workers nationwide have called in sick to employers or informed them that they will not be able to work their scheduled shifts – what is known as the callout rate.

At Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport as of Monday, the call rate was 40.3% and at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, it was 37.4%.

Meanwhile, TSA workers said they cannot pay their bills and feed their families because they have not been paid. Airports, unions and charities have held food drives, meals and collections for TSA employees.

Johnny Jones, a member of the American Federal Government Employees Council of TSA workers and the local union that represents workers at Texas airports, noted in a press conference Tuesday that workers have been dealing with shutdowns and shutdowns for months.

He said workers told the union they were paying about $75 a day in late rent or other car loan fees. They are also charged bank fees when payments cannot be made automatically through their accounts.

“Even after that [last] the foreclosure was over … the back payment doesn’t cover the fact that you just lost and lost payment of all these funds,” Jones said.

AFGE National President Everett Kelley said Coast Guard workers are also doing their job, including rescue, not knowing if they will have money to buy groceries. He called it a “disgrace and disgrace to the nation.”

And he warned members of Congress, “Don’t even think about going home for Easter break while tens of thousands of American families go without pay.”

On Monday, the administration sent ICE agents to several airports to help with some security operations, while trained TSA agents focused on inspections.

“People don’t quit because they want to quit. They love the job. They don’t show up at work because they have nothing else to do,” said Hydrick Thomas, president of AFGTSA Council 100, which represents TSA officials.

One union leader said some TSA workers are selling plasma to pay for food, another said some members are now facing hunger.

Duncan McGuire, AFGE Region 5 vice president, said he was asked about the state workers’ compensation insurance policy regarding suicide.

“Some people actually think of suicide as the only way to get money for their loved ones when they can’t bring money anymore,” McGuire said.

Some union leaders say people can’t afford childcare, gas to get to work, copays, medicine or food.

“This is what happens when the system has problems and the staff is stretched thin,” said Kelley. “But instead of solving the payment problem [transportation officers]administration has sent ICE agents to airports as replacement workers.”

If you or someone you know is in trouble, call or text 988, or go to 988lifeline.orgaccess the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255or visit TalkOfSuicide.com/resources.