The House this week passed an AFGE-backed bill to reform the Border Patrol pay system. The milestone came after years of concerted effort by the union and bipartisan supporters in both chambers of Congress. The bill, S. 1691, passed the Senate in September.
“The current pay system simply is not in alignment with the demands our border security places on our agents, and the mission has suffered as a result,” said AFGE National President J. David Cox Sr. “This reform is absolutely crucial for bringing stability and predictability to Border Patrol pay and will make a huge, positive contribution to our agents’ ability to provide the most effective border security.”
“We are proud of the tremendous effort our members exerted to get this legislation through the Senate and House in a time when there is little consensus on much else,” AFGE National Border Patrol Council President Brandon Judd said. “Agents put their safety on the line to keep our country safe, and this reform ensures the black cloud of AUO will finally be lifted and replaced with a stable and predictable pay system."
AFGE President Cox also praised the bipartisan law as an example of what can be achieved when legislators cooperate. “Democrats and Republicans worked side-by-side to give our Border Patrol agents the fair and equitable pay they deserve,” Cox said. “AFGE would not allow this issue to fall victim to the partisan gridlock that has stifled so many critical government programs in recent years. Thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to delivering this key victory for our agents and national security.”
AFGE represents more than 16,500 Border Patrol agents and support staff.