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More Border Patrol Agents Now Act of 2006

Date: Sept. 26, 2006
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Immigration Criminal Justice


MORE BORDER PATROL AGENTS NOW ACT OF 2006 -- (House of Representatives - September 26, 2006)

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Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6160, the More Border Patrol Agents Now Act of 2006.

This legislation takes an important step toward making our borders more secure and our country safer. More agents along our Nation's borders will lead to better enforcement of our immigration laws. The President's commitment of 6,000 more Border Patrol agents in the next two years is a good start to enhancing border security, but if these agents cannot be easily hired, or if current Border Patrol agents are lost to other employment, this enhanced security cannot be maintained.

Personnel concerns should not be a factor limiting the effectiveness of the Border Patrol.

H.R. 6160 addresses some of these concerns. By streamlining the hiring process and offering recruitment and retention bonuses, H.R. 6160 takes steps to ensure that the Border Patrol will be an effective first line of defense at our borders.

Numerous times, I have met with Border Patrol agents in and around my district in Southern California. On several occasions, the issue of the age limit for new hires has been brought up. Currently, the Border Patrol is covered under law enforcement retirement provisions, meaning new hires must be under the age of 40, unless they presently serve or have previously served in a position covered by federal civilian law enforcement retirement. This precludes retired members of our armed forces from employment by the Border Patrol if they are 40 years of age or older. Because of this arbitrary provision, the Border Patrol is unable to hire extremely qualified individuals, many of whom would need little further training to be effective Border Patrol agents. It is my hope that Congress will address the age limit issue so even more qualified agents can be hired.

I want to thank Mr. ROGERS for his leadership on this issue. I would also like to thank Chairmen KING and DAVIS and both the Homeland Security and Government Reform Committees for responding to the needs of the Border Patrol Agency so it can better secure our Nation's borders.

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