U.S. Representative Monica De La Cruz (R) has introduced the Pay Our Border Patrol and Customs Agents Act as the September 30th government funding deadline swiftly approaches. The legislation seeks to ensure that U.S. Border Patrol Agents and Officers of Field Operations receive their paychecks during any potential government shutdown in the Fiscal Year 2026.
"We must not let politics stand in the way of their livelihoods or our national security," said De La Cruz.
The bill has gained support from several Republican lawmakers, including Representatives Claudia Tenney (NY), Dan Van Orden (WI), Jimmy Patronis (FL), Russell Fry (SC), and Ashley Hinson (IA).
"Our Border Patrol Agents risk their lives daily to protect our nation's borders," said De La Cruz. "The Pay Our Border Patrol and Customs Agents Act is vital to ensuring these brave men and women continue to be paid even if Congress fails to reach a funding agreement."
A continuing resolution is set to expire on September 30, and without a long-term funding bill, a shutdown is a possibility. The proposed legislation would provide financial certainty for agences taasked with border security by ensuring uninterrupted pay regardless of a lapse in government funding.
If passed, the bill would follow similar efforts made in the past to protect military and essential personnell during funding gaps, reinforcing the importance of securing the nation's borders.
