Bill seeks to bolster CBP hiring, retention

Bipartisan legislation in the U.S. Senate was introduced to improve the hiring and retention of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents and officers.

U.S. Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) and John Hoeven (R-ND) said the CBP Hiring and Retention Innovation Act, S. 2813, creates a Customs and Border Protection Innovation Council, which would consist of representatives from the Department of Homeland Security, labor organizations representing border agents and officers, and outside experts. The council would develop pilot programs to improve the hiring and retention of CBP officers.

“Securing our borders, keeping Arizonans safe, and ensuring the fair and humane treatment of migrants requires a fully staffed Customs and Border Protection force,” Sinema, who serves on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said. “Our bill encourages innovation and creative problem-solving to improve hiring and retention of CBP agents and officers.”

Hoeven said having adequate personnel in place is an essential part of securing the nation’s borders.

“Moreover, by properly staffing our ports of entry, we can ensure the efficient flow of goods between the U.S. and its trading partners, which is especially important to the agriculture, energy and manufacturing industries in states like North Dakota,” he said. “That’s why we are advancing our legislation to promote innovation in the CBP’s hiring process and create better incentives for employee retention.”