Tucson Standard

U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) led an effort to ensure U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) agents receive the overtime pay they were promised.

In the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Congress authorized much-needed overtime pay for Border Patrol agents. Despite these funds being appropriated, reports from agents cited confusion around the timing of these payments.

On June 5, 2024, Ciscomani was joined by 27 of his House Republican colleagues in a letter to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner Troy Miller requesting an update on the timing of overtime pay promised to the agents. On August 19, 2024, CBP responded to Ciscomani’s letter, stating overtime payments would begin no later than September 5, 2024, and backpay compensation would be deposited between September 28 and October 3, 2024.

“Our Border Patrol agents are overworked and overwhelmed by the record number of migrants they are encountering,” said Ciscomani. “As they continue to work tirelessly to address the ongoing border crisis and keep our communities safe, they deserve clarity on the timing of the overtime payments they are owed. I was proud to lead this effort to ensure our agents receive the overtime pay they deserve and am pleased to hear that disbursements will begin soon.”