Milwaukee City Wire

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) has shown his support for the Keep Our Border Agents Paid Act, alongside U.S. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and four other Republican colleagues. This bill aims to ensure that U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents, as well as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents and contractors, continue to receive their paychecks in the event of a government shutdown.

Sen. Johnson emphasized the importance of this bill, stating, "The record-breaking number of migrants pouring across our southern border does not stop during a government shutdown, and our Border Patrol officers go to work every day during a shutdown—without a paycheck. This bill ensures these agents do not miss a paycheck while they work tirelessly to stem the tide of Biden’s disastrous border policies."

National Border Patrol Council President Brandon Judd also expressed his gratitude for the proposed legislation, saying, "Border Patrol Agents are some of the most patriotic people in this country. We love our nation and we love our fellow citizens, and if we have to, we will work without pay. However, thanks to Senator Scott’s bill, we might not have to worry about protecting our borders while also worrying about keeping food on the table for our families. We appreciate Senator Scott’s willingness to look out for the well-being of all brave agents on the frontlines, and we encourage Congress to quickly pass his bill into law."

In addition to Sens. Johnson and Scott, Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) have also joined in support of this legislation. The bill aims to provide much-needed financial security for the dedicated agents who work tirelessly to safeguard the borders.

The full text of the bill can be found [here](link to the bill).

This bill comes at a crucial time when the number of migrants crossing the southern border remains high, and the need for effective border protection is more important than ever. By ensuring that border agents receive their paychecks even during government shutdowns, this legislation recognizes their essential role in maintaining national security.

The bill is now awaiting the attention of Congress, and its passage would provide much-needed relief for the border agents who selflessly dedicate themselves to protecting the United States.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2023/9/sen-johnson-joins-colleagues-in-bill-to-keep-border-agents-paid-during-government-shutdowns