Science, State, Justice, Commerce, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2007
SCIENCE, STATE, JUSTICE, COMMERCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2007 -- (House of Representatives - June 27, 2006)
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Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
I appreciate the hard work from Mr. Hobson, Chairman Wolf, and the FBI to address the potentially devastating impact of the FBI's Up and Out Policy on agents in the field who have given decades of public service to protect our Nation. I cannot thank enough Chairman Wolf and Mr. Hobson for the long hours of negotiation that allowed us to stand with the men and women who stand in harm's way in protection of the United States.
It is critical that the Federal Government protect the retirement benefits of Supervisory Special Agents who have honorably served their country, and I look forward to working with you to address this issue this year.
Further, I am very pleased that the FBI is committed to establishing a housing allowance pilot program here in Washington, D.C., within the funds provided in this bill. We ask a lot of our agents in the field, agents who risk their lives every single day to put mobsters in jail, break up terrorist plots across America, protect the public integrity by Federal, State, and local officials, and so much more. The least we can do is give them the fair compensation that allows them to provide for their family and have a home that is not hours away from their field office. By creating this first-ever housing allowance within the Bureau, agents will be able to reduce their commute time, giving them more time to take a son to a swim meet or a daughter to a dance recital. But perhaps most importantly, Mr. Chairman, this program will be a morale boost and will allow FBI agents to focus on their vital work to protect America and all Americans.
I look forward to continuing to work with the FBI, Chairman Wolf, and yourself, Mr. Hobson, on ensuring that FBI agents are compensated fairly; and I thank you for your strong leadership on this important issue.
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