Reps. Cuellar, Rogers back bill to reinstate overtime pay for border agents

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL) recently expressed support for the Border Patrol Pay Security Act of 2019 (H.R. 2335), which would reinstate overtime pay for Border Patrol agents.

“More manpower is desperately needed at our southwest border,” Rogers, ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee, said. “The Border Patrol Pay Security Act will help ensure our Border agents are compensated adequately and on par with other law enforcement agencies. These changes will help address the major challenge Border Patrol is facing recruiting and retaining agents.”

Rogers said an integral part of securing the borders starts with ensuring that border agents are properly compensated for their work. The U.S. Border Patrol has faced recruitment and retention challenges due to the dangerous and demanding nature of the job and the lack of pay compared to other federal law enforcement jobs. Many agents are either retiring or leaving for other law enforcement jobs that offer more stable work hours, overtime compensation, and in most cases, a less physically strenuous job.

“One of the biggest challenges facing CBP is the persistent recruitment and retention issue of front line law enforcement positions,” Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX), who introduced the legislation, said. “The Border Patrol’s recruitment and retention issue not only effects their ability to carry out our laws and keep our nation safe, it is impeding CBP’s ability to process legitimate trade and travel, increasing wait times at the Texas Ports of Entry (POEs), and decreasing U.S. economic competitiveness. Addressing pay parity for Border Patrol agents is part of my comprehensive effort to ensure that our border and ports of entry are fully staffed with high quality personnel and that they are well equipped to sufficiently execute their jobs.”