WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), James Lankford (R-OK), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) today introduced the Border Patrol Pay Security Act to ensure U.S. Border Patrol agents earn similar overtime compensation already offered to other federal law enforcement agents. It amends the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to allow U.S. Border Patrol agents to receive time and a half for hours worked between 80 and 100 hours during 14 consecutive days.
“Now more than ever, our border patrol agents put their lives at risk every day they put on their uniform,” said Sen. Cornyn. “The dedicated men and women who are sworn to protect and secure our border should be justly compensated, particularly as they work around the clock to keep our communities safe. While long overdue, it is crucial that the U.S. Border Patrol can focus on recruiting, retaining, and training the best agents that are paid comparably to their federal law enforcement counterparts.”
“Ensuring our Border Patrol Agents receive fair overtime pay strengthens recruitment and retention and helps keep our border secure. We’ll continue working across the aisle to support our Border Patrol and keep Arizona families and communities safe and secure,” said Sen. Sinema, Chair of the Senate Border Management Subcommittee.
“The men and women serving our nation as Border Patrol officers are working around the clock to protect our nation by securing our border. I’ve heard firsthand from Border Patrol agents at a muster earlier this year about the roadblocks they face,” said Sen. Lankford. “Unfortunately, this Administration has handcuffed them from actually doing their job. They’ve taken these men and women who are law enforcement and turned them into hotel-check-in. But, even when morale is down they are still working twice as hard to ensure the job is done right—and often put in hours of overtime on a regular basis. They deserve to ensure their being adequately compensated for the hard work they’re doing on our border.”
“The hardworking men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol are frequently working overtime to keep our communities safe but don’t see the same pay benefits as other federal law enforcement. As we continue to deal with the crisis at our southern border, our legislation will improve border security by boosting the U.S. Border Patrol’s continued efforts to hire and retain talented agents,” said Sen. Kelly.
This legislation is supported by the National Border Patrol Council:
“I want to personally thank Senators Cornyn and Sinema for their leadership on this issue,” said Brandon Judd, National President of the National Border Patrol Council. “The most important element in securing our border are our Border Patrol Agents. The investments in fencing, drones, and sensors are important; however, without highly motivated Border Patrol Agents to track and apprehend illegal immigrants and drug smugglers none of these other investments matter. Right now, Border Patrol does not have pay parity with our sister agencies in the federal government. This despite the fact our agents, who are often alone or are routinely outnumbered, work in some of the toughest environments imaginable. This legislation will restore that parity we lost during the Obama Administration and help us to recruit and retain the best of America in our ranks.”