Sen. Tester introduces legislation seeking to strengthen U.S. borders

Two bills introduced by U.S. Sen. John Tester (R-MT) would further strengthen and secure the U.S. borders to Canada and Mexico, the senator’s office said Monday.

Tester introduced the Securing America’s Ports of Entry Act, which will require U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) to hire additional agents to meet staffing needs, as well as the Border Patrol Pay Security Act to increase overtime pay for border agents, last week.

“Strong and secure borders are the foundation of our national security,” Tester said. “In order to keep our communities safe, it’s critical that CBP is fully staffed, has the necessary resources, and is able to retain top-notch border patrol agents. This legislation will hit all three marks by requiring the agency to increase staff levels while improving safety conditions and ensuring that their agents are paid fairly for their often dangerous work keeping us safe.”

Tester’s Securing America’s Ports of Entry Act would address the reported significant shortage of CBP officers across the country by requiring the agency to hire at least 600 new CBP officers above the current attrition level every fiscal year until the agency meets its staffing model and targets. The agency would also be authorized to hire additional staff to perform non-law enforcement functions. If the agency fails to hire at least 600 officers, the bill triggers a review of its hiring practices by the Government Accountability Office.

The bill would also require CBP to report to Congress on infrastructure improvements at ports of entry and equipment to help CBP officers detect drugs while protecting them from exposure. A quarterly report on the use of temporary duty assignments, new trade facilitation agreements, and staffing needs would also be required.

The Border Patrol Pay Security Act would allow Border Patrol agents to be paid time and a half for hours worked between 80 and 100 hours during 14 consecutive days, ensuring that those agents are compensated similarly to other federal law enforcement agents.