Rep. Hurd’s Bill to Ensure Fair Pay for Border Patrol Agents Passes the House

WASHINGTON—Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation [H.R. 2252] authored by Congressman Will Hurd (TX-23) that clarifies the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) fundamental misunderstanding of the Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act of 2014. The bill, which was approved by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee this week, passed on the floor of the House by unanimous consent.

Specifically, H.R. 2252 makes clear to the Department of Homeland Security that U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) agents will continue to receive overtime pay until the new pay system, established through legislation passed in the 113th Congress, is fully implemented.

“I am grateful to Congressman Hurd for his leadership on this issue. This legislation will help ensure that our hard working Border Patrol agents get the pay they deserve as CBP transitions to the new pay scale system.  My hope is that the Senate recognizes the importance of this bill and moves swiftly on consideration for approval,” said Chaffetz.

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection incorrectly interpreted the Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act of 2014 and determined that CBP agents must pay back overtime pay. Their incorrect assessment of the law also meant that CBP agents would not receive pay for overtime earned between April 19 and May 16, 2015.