McCain Co-Sponsors Legislation On Border Patrol Overtime

By Dennis Lambert
Published: Thursday, November 14, 2013 - 1:57pm
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(Photo courtesy of Office of Sen. John McCain)
Sen. John McCain

Arizona Sen. John McCain is co-sponsoring legislation to address Border Patrol overtime issues, reforms which could save taxpayers $1 billion over the next decade, according to the Cronkite News Service. 

McCain and Democratic Senator Jon Tester of Montana said they are trying to overhaul a pay scale they contend is “archaic and inefficient.” McCain said the proposal has widespread support.

“It’s an agreement that is, was, is supported by the Department of Homeland Security as well as the Border Patrol themselves," McCain said.

The measure could mean the loss of about $7,000 a year in income for the average Border Patrol agent, but it has the backing of the agent’s union, which said it would bring stability to agent pay and increase border security.  Under the proposal, agents would choose one of three pay levels at the beginning of each year with a corresponding commitment of hours and be paid the equivalent of straight time, for those hours, instead of overtime pay.