Pay Our Border Patrol and Customs Agents Act of 2025
Summary
HB1916, titled the Pay Our Border Patrol and Customs Agents Act of 2025, would appropriate whatever sums are necessary in fiscal year 2025 to pay the salaries and expenses of certain U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel if there is a lapse in discretionary appropriations, i.e., during a federal government shutdown. The bill applies specifically to U.S. Border Patrol agents and officers of the Office of Field Operations within CBP who are excepted from furlough during the shutdown period.
In practical terms, the measure is designed to ensure that these frontline border enforcement employees continue to be paid even when other federal workers may be furloughed because of a shutdown. It is a targeted appropriations bill and does not broadly reopen the government or fund all CBP operations; rather, it creates a dedicated funding mechanism for a defined group of employees during any qualifying lapse in appropriations in fiscal year 2025.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would amend federal appropriations practice for fiscal year 2025 by making a standing appropriation from the Treasury for the pay and expenses of specified CBP personnel during a shutdown. It would affect federal budget execution and payroll for Border Patrol agents and Office of Field Operations officers, while leaving other agencies and employees subject to the normal shutdown rules unless separately funded. The bill does not create new enforcement powers or change immigration law; its legal effect is limited to funding continuity for these CBP employees during a lapse in discretionary appropriations.
Sentiment
The available context shows generally supportive sentiment, as reflected by the bill’s bipartisan list of House sponsors, including members from both parties and from border-state delegations. The bill’s title and structure suggest a practical, pro-paycheck approach focused on keeping essential border personnel working and compensated during a shutdown. No committee debate or recorded votes are provided, so there is no evidence in the supplied materials of formal opposition or amendment activity.
Contention
The main point of contention likely concerns whether Congress should provide special shutdown pay protections for one category of federal employees rather than addressing broader appropriations or shutdown policy. Supporters appear to view CBP border personnel as essential workers whose pay should not be interrupted, while potential critics could argue that the bill creates a carve-out for a specific enforcement workforce and does not solve the underlying appropriations impasse. Because no transcripts or votes are included, the record here does not identify specific members or arguments in opposition.
Fund and Complete the Border Wall ActThis bill establishes funding for a U.S.-Mexico border barrier and revises how border patrol agents are compensated for overtime.The Department of the Treasury shall set up an account for funding the design, construction, and maintenance of the barrier. The funds in the account are appropriated only for that purpose and for vehicles and equipment for border patrol agents.For each fiscal year, financial assistance to a country shall be reduced by $2,000 for each citizen or national of that country apprehended for illegally entering the United States through its southern border. The reduced amount shall be transferred to the border barrier account. The Department of State may opt not to reduce amounts appropriated to Mexico for various military and law enforcement-related activities.This bill establishes a 5% fee on foreign remittance transfers and increases the fee for the arrival/departure I-94 form for various aliens entering the United States, with part of the fees going to the border barrier account.By December 31, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security shall (1) take all actions necessary, including constructing barriers, to prevent illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico barrier; and (2) achieve operational control over all U.S. international borders.The bill changes how border patrol agents receive overtime pay when working up to 100 hours in a two-week period. For hours worked above 80, an agent shall receive at least 150% of the agent's regular hourly rate.
A resolution condemning the violent and unlawful actions against Minnesotans by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Patrol during Operation Metro Surge
Border Security Investment ActThis bill imposes a fee on the electronic transfer of funds (i.e., remittances) sent to certain countries and provides funding for border security activities from the collected amounts.Specifically, the fee shall apply to remittances sent through money services business to one of the five countries that had the most citizens or nationals unlawfully enter the United States in the previous fiscal year, as determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The fee must be 37% of the amount sent.Half of the money collected by the fee must be placed in a trust fund for reimbursing border states for expenses incurred for border security enforcement measures. The other half must be placed in another trust fund for (1) deploying technology and installing physical barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border, and (2) paying the wages and salaries of U.S. Border Patrol agents.If the amount in the trust funds exceeds a certain threshold, the excess money must be used only for deficit reduction.