Dear Representative Gonzales,
I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to advise you of our support for H.R. 5538, the “Border Patrol Pay Fix Act.”
Border security is a critical aspect of our national security, and the men and women who serve as Border Patrol agents play a pivotal role in safeguarding our homeland. Right now, our southern border is in crisis. Record numbers of migrants continue to arrive every day, while transnational criminal organizations funnel drugs and other illicit substances over the border and into our communities. Being an agent is a demanding and dangerous job that requires constant vigilance and dedication.
Your legislation would allow GS-12 level agents, which is the majority of Border Patrol agents, to receive a special overtime pay rate at a time and a half. Currently, the most an agent can get is time and a quarter. This change would more fairly compensate these public servants and standardize their overtime pay in comparison to the rest of the Federal government. In addition, offering a more competitive overtime pay rate would serve as a strong incentive for talented individuals to join the agency and for current agents to stay on the job.
On behalf of the more than 373,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I thank you for your leadership on this issue. If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in our Washington, D.C. office.
Sincerely,
Patrick Yoes
National President