H.R.1916 - Pay Our Border Patrol and Customs Agents Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1916, the "Pay Our Border Patrol and Customs Agents Act of 2025," is a bill introduced in the House of Representatives. It aims to provide appropriations for the salaries and expenses of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employees, specifically Border Patrol agents and officers of the Office of Field Operations, who are required to work during a government shutdown in fiscal year 2025.
The bill ensures that these essential employees, who are excepted from furlough during a lapse in discretionary appropriations, will continue to receive their salaries and have their expenses covered. This is intended to maintain border security and customs operations during periods of government shutdown.
The bill appropriates funds from the Treasury to cover these costs, ensuring that CBP employees can continue their duties without financial disruption.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would ensure that Border Patrol agents and Customs officers continue to be paid during government shutdowns. This would prevent disruptions to border security and customs operations.
It would also provide financial security to the affected employees during periods of uncertainty. This could improve morale and reduce potential staffing issues during shutdowns.
However, it would also require additional appropriations from the Treasury, potentially impacting the federal budget.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures continued border security and customs operations during government shutdowns.
- Provides financial stability for Border Patrol agents and Customs officers during lapses in appropriations.
- Maintains morale and reduces potential staffing shortages within CBP during shutdowns.
- Demonstrates Congressional support for border security personnel.
- Potentially improves the efficiency of border operations by avoiding disruptions.
Potential Disadvantages
- Requires additional appropriations from the Treasury, potentially increasing the federal budget deficit.
- May set a precedent for funding specific agencies during shutdowns, potentially leading to unequal treatment.
- Could be perceived as a temporary solution that does not address the underlying issues causing government shutdowns.
- The bill's effectiveness is contingent on the availability of funds within the Treasury.
- May not address all the needs of CBP employees during a shutdown, such as long-term financial planning.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the constitutional power of Congress to appropriate funds for government operations, as outlined in Article I, Section 9, Clause 7, which states that "No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law." It also relates to the implied powers of Congress to provide for national security and regulate commerce, which are relevant to border security and customs operations.
However, the bill's necessity arises from government shutdowns, which can be seen as a failure of the appropriations process. While the bill itself is constitutional, the circumstances that necessitate it may reflect broader issues with the functioning of the government.
The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).