Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) celebrated the recent approval of increased overtime pay for Border Patrol agents under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year (FY) 2024.

“Our Border Patrol agents continue to work around the clock as the humanitarian crisis unfolds at the Southern border,” said Dr. Cuellar. “The lack of adequate overtime pay for agents has created severe issues with retention and recruitment while negatively impacting morale between our ports of entry. I’m pleased that this change will get our hardworking Border Patrol agents the overtime pay they deserve. Thank you to Chairman Peters, Senator Lankford, and Senator Sinema for working with me to get this priority passed.”

“We appreciate Congressman Cuellar’s steadfast support for Border Patrol agents,” said Hector Garza, Vice President of the National Border Patrol Council. “Through his efforts, we were able to secure this important pay reform that will allow us to better recruit and retain future personnel.”

Dr. Cuellar played a key role in securing language in the FY24 NDAA, ensuring that Border Patrol agents will now receive time-and-a-half for scheduled overtime hours. This aligns the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) with other federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The lack of overtime pay for agents has been a significant challenge in hiring and retaining employees. The revised policy will apply to CBP employees classified at GS-12 or above.

In addition to the overtime pay adjustment, federal workers are set to receive a 5.2% raise in 2024, marking the highest raise for the federal workforce in 43 years. This increase is expected to play a crucial role in the recruitment and retention efforts of USBP personnel. Active-duty troops and drilling Guard and reserve members will also benefit from a 5.2% pay raise, the largest increase in over two decades.

As Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, Dr. Cuellar has consistently advocated for border law enforcement personnel. In the FY23 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, he secured funding for 300 new Border Patrol Agents and 300 new Border Patrol Processing Coordinators, along with $60 million for an additional 125 Customs Officers, 250 technicians, and 250 mission support staff. Furthermore, Dr. Cuellar secured $230 million for smart border technology, including $150 million for procurement and $20 million for innovative technology, aimed at enhancing border security measures.