The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown is entering its sixth week and has led to increased pressure on Congress to end it. Delta Air Lines has announced it will suspend key congressional perks, including express lanes and dedicated congressional phone numbers, until DHS is reopened and the Transportation Security Administration employees can receive payouts. Republican Rep. Mark Alford defended these services, arguing they save taxpayers money due to their irregular schedule in Congress. Alford also defended the discounts for congressional travel, stating that taxpayer money is in the best interest of the American taxpayer.