Authority To Convert Certain Overseas Limited Appointments To Permanent Appointments

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Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1517. This legislation will allow certain U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees who serve under an overseas limited appointment for at least 2 years, and whose service is rated fully successful or higher throughout that time, to be converted to a permanent appointment in the competitive service.

I would like to acknowledge Speaker PELOSI and Chairman THOMPSON for their leadership in bringing this important bill to the floor. I would also like to thank my colleague Congressman ENGEL, who worked so hard authoring this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1517 would correct a longstanding classification problem among a small group of Customs and Border personnel that were hired before DHS was created. These 35 people are working overseas, mostly in Ireland, and need to be properly classified as CBP staff. I am pleased that the Homeland Security Committee has taken action to correct this problem and that this bill has come before the full Congress today.

I support H.R. 1517 because it is an efficient fix to this classification issue. Our Customs and Border personnel work so hard every day to keep us safe, and they deserve prompt action by this body to correct any problems in classification that could prevent them from receiving any appointments they may deserve.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 1517.

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