New report: Tester’s border patrol pay reform bill will save taxpayers $100 million per year

Tester’s bipartisan measure strengthens border, increases certainty for agents

(U.S. Senate) – A new, independent report underscores the need to pass Senator Jon Tester’s border patrol pay reform bill.

Tester’s bipartisan bill provides border patrol agents with more reliable pay and work schedules and enhances border security. According to the independent Congressional Budget Office (CBO), if the bill is enacted it will save taxpayers as much as $100 million each year.

“The CBO report further proves what we already know: updating the decades-old pay system strengthens our borders and it saves taxpayers a lot of money,” said Tester, a member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee. “When we have an opportunity to both improve how government works and save money, we need to get it done. This bill will help agents, their families and taxpayers. It’s a win all-around, and Congress needs to give its stamp of approval.”

Tester’s bill recently won approval from the Senate Homeland Security Committee and now awaits a vote from the full Senate.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials have testified that the new pay system would provide additional manpower in the field to address security threats along the border. And in states like Montana, where agents must often travel long distances to assigned locations in frontier or rugged areas along the border, Tester’s legislation would reduce gaps in security between shifts.

Tester’s bipartisan bill, which is co-sponsored by Senators John McCain (R-Ariz.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) is available below.

Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act.pdf by les_braswell5524