The National Police Association Endorses the Border Patrol Overtime Parity Act

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Police Association (NPA) endorses the Border Patrol Overtime Parity Act (H.R. 10070), introduced by Rep. Andy Barr (KY-06) and co-sponsored by Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). This bill expands special overtime pay to U.S. Border Patrol agents at every General Schedule (GS) grade.

Under current law, only GS-12 Border Patrol agents receive special overtime pay: an additional 50% of the hourly rate of basic pay for regularly scheduled overtime hours under the Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act. That payment is in addition to the 25% overtime supplement lower grades already receive for a scheduled 10-hour workday.

The Border Patrol Overtime Parity Act removes the GS-12 restriction, extending the extra 50% overtime payment to agents at all levels. The 25% overtime supplement would remain. It has been referred to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee; the text for the bill is here.

Regardless of service level, Border Patrol agents work long hours in remote and harsh conditions. The dangers and risks they routinely confront, including being targeted by criminal organizations, aren't limited to a single pay grade.

"Border Patrol agents are dedicated public servants committed to the same mission of keeping our borders safe. They should receive consistent overtime pay," said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director, National Police Association.

Though U.S. Customs and Border Protection has reported increased hiring numbers and a record agent headcount, the agency remains short of its stated force goal of 25,000 agents. Compounding this is an approaching retirement wave that will strain staffing if hiring and retention do not keep pace.

"Expanding the special overtime pay benefit to all Border Patrol agents will aid in recruiting, while improving morale and retention among current agents," Fitzsimmons added.

A related Rep. Barr bill called the Border Patrol Supervisors Retention Act (H.R. 8956) introduced earlier this year, would extend the same special overtime to agents at GS-13 through GS-15, who are likewise currently ineligible.

The NPA commends Reps. Barr and McGuire for introducing the Border Patrol Overtime Parity Act and urges Congress to pass it.

To support anti-crime, pro-police legislation, join the NPA's Call to Action team. Receive email alerts on bills, including which lawmakers to contact.

About: The National Police Association (NPA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting law enforcement through advocacy, education, and the courts. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org.

Media Contact
Paula Fitzsimmons
3024691765
[email protected]

SOURCE National Police Association