Sinema’s Senate-passed proposal – cosponsored by Senator Mark Kelly – delivers fair overtime pay for experienced Border Patrol agents working around the clock to keep Arizona communities safe
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate passed the annual bipartisan defense bill, which included Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema’s measure to raise overtime pay for Border Patrol agents amid a record surge at the Southwest border – leaving agents, Arizona communities, and migrants in crisis. The legislation – cosponsored by fellow Arizona Senator Mark Kelly – to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
“Border Patrol agents are pulling double duty keeping Arizona families safe as we face a historic surge of migrants at our border. We’re delivering real resources that help them do their jobs, keep Arizona families and communities safe, and ensure the fair and humane treatment of migrants,” said Sinema, Chair of the Border Management Subcommittee.
“During a crisis when Border Patrol agents are working around the clock to process migrants and secure the border, this will get them the overtime pay they deserve,” said Kelly.
Sinema’s amendment restores overtime pay to time and a half for scheduled overtime for experienced Border Patrol agents. It comes as Arizona’s border is in crisis, with record migrant encounters and closure of the Lukeville Port of Entry overwhelming an already overworked and underpaid Border Patrol.
Sinema is a member of the bipartisan group working on real solutions to solving the border crisis in the U.S. Senate.