Law enforcement officers and their families across the country are one step closer to a legislative pay fix that would provide financial certainty for those who work daily to secure our borders. Under current law, those who patrol our borders by aircraft and vessel within Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are subject to an array of confusing and inconsistent overtime payment systems. U.S. Representative Will Hurd's bill, which passed the House unanimously, would standardize overtime pay within the CBP, providing certainty to the agents who work long hours, and resulting in cost savings of approximately $2 million each year.
"The Customs and Border Protection personnel who serve in my district have an increasingly challenging job. Not only do they keep us safe from terrorists and drug cartels, but they also apprehend illegal contraband and rescue victims of human trafficking," explained Rep. Hurd, whose district covers over 800 miles of the Texas-Mexico border. "Without action we are perpetuating an administrative nightmare for the agency and essentially punishing the hardworking agents who work overtime to protect our nation. It's time we offer clear, consistent, and fair payment policies for the families that sacrifice so much for our safety. "
The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Assocation expressed their support for the legislation in a letter to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, saying, "Implementing LEAP for all AMO law enforcement officers would enhance CBP operational efficiencies and monetary savings by providing an efficient, effective, and uniform system of compensation for the unique work conditions and substantial hours commonly required of AMO agents."
In May 2015, a previous Hurd bill was signed into law that stabilized the paychecks for Border Patrol Agents who, due to a lack of action by the Department of Homeland Security, were facing a deep cut in their pay, despite working the same number of hours.
"I'll continue to fight for the CBP Officers and Agents who have a highly dangerous and demanding job and often put their lives on the line for our safety. These dedicated public servants and their families deserve to have stability in the paychecks they have earned," concluded Hurd.