Tucson Standard

U.S. Congressmen Juan Ciscomani and Greg Stanton have introduced new legislation aimed at improving the hiring, recruiting, and retention of agents, officers, and employees for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), particularly in rural and remote areas. The legislation, known as the CBP Hiring and Retention (CBP HiRe) Act, seeks to address the hiring challenges faced by CBP in these areas.

The CBP HiRe Act would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary to assess the hiring needs in rural locations and determine if there is a need for more flexibility in the hiring process. It also mandates an annual review by DHS to determine if further hiring flexibilities are still necessary. Currently, it takes an average of 400 days for CBP to hire personnel.

Congressman Ciscomani emphasized the importance of supporting CBP and stated, "With morale, recruitment, and retention at an all-time low for CBP, it’s crucial that we send a message to Border Patrol that we have their backs." He further highlighted the need to prioritize the well-being of the men and women in green who tirelessly defend the borders.

Congressman Stanton, echoing the concerns raised by Arizona border officials, emphasized the need for manpower in securing rural and remote areas of the southern border. He stated, "This bipartisan bill will ensure that there are the boots on the ground needed to secure rural and remote areas of our southern border."

The CBP HiRe Act includes several provisions aimed at addressing the hiring challenges in rural and remote areas. These provisions include granting the DHS Secretary with direct hire authority, allowing for expedited hiring without the usual bureaucratic process. It also provides for recruitment and relocation bonuses to incentivize new employees to join CBP and current employees to relocate to different areas. Additionally, the act allows for retention bonuses to be offered to employees who are at risk of leaving CBP, with the condition of a two-year service agreement.

Furthermore, the legislation grants DHS the special pay authority to consider rural and remote locations when determining a special pay rate. It also allows eligible employees to receive federal student loan repayment, subject to the agency's discretion.

The CBP HiRe Act has garnered support from various organizations and officials. It is endorsed by the National Treasury Employee Union, the Border Trade Alliance, and several local authorities and port authorities, including the Greater Nogales Santa Cruz County Port Authority, Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, Pima County Board of Supervisors, Chamberlain Inc., Douglas Regional Economic Development Corporation, Douglas International Port Authority, and Greater Yuma Port Authority. Local officials, including Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels, Douglas Mayor Don Huish, Yuma Mayor Douglas Nicholls, and Sahuarita Mayor Tom Murphy, have also expressed their support for the legislation.

The full text of the CBP HiRe Act can be accessed [here](insert link).

This legislation aims to address the hiring challenges faced by CBP in rural and remote areas, providing the necessary flexibilities to recruit and retain personnel. By streamlining the hiring process, offering bonuses and incentives, and considering the unique circumstances of these locations, the CBP HiRe Act seeks to bolster CBP's presence in securing the borders and ensuring the safety of the nation.