Bill Overview
Title: Border Patrol Pay Security Act of 2022
Description: Border Patrol Pay Security Act of 20 2 This bill changes how border patrol agents receive overtime pay when working up to 100 hours in a two-week period. For hours worked above 80, an agent is compensated at a rate of at least 150% of the agent's regular hourly rate.
Sponsors: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
Target Audience
Population: Border Patrol agents
Estimated Size: 19648
- Border patrol agents are government employees responsible for maintaining the security of the national borders, particularly land entry points.
- The bill specifically mentions changing the overtime compensation structure for these agents, affecting how they are financially compensated for their work.
- The change impacts those agents who frequently work over 80 hours within a two-week period, implying this segment of agents is regularly working overtime.
- Indirect effects may also be felt by the families of these agents who may rely on their income for financial support.
- Overall, the bill directly targets a specific group within the U.S. workforce, i.e., Border Patrol agents.
Reasoning
- The policy is aimed specifically at U.S. Border Patrol agents—approximately 19,648 individuals. This group will directly experience the financial impacts due to changes in overtime compensation structures.
- Given the budget constraints, priority may be given to agents who frequently work overtime, maximizing the policy's impact on those who are most affected.
- The broader U.S. population is unlikely to be directly impacted by this policy unless they have a familial or economic dependence on a border patrol agent.
- Non-affected groups include those unrelated to border security or without familial ties to border officers, which is a much larger segment of the U.S. population.
- The Cantril wellbeing scores for affected individuals might see noticeable improvements due to increased financial security, whereas unaffected individuals will likely see little to no change.
Simulated Interviews
Border Patrol Agent (El Paso, TX)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The new policy could really benefit my overall financial situation.
- I frequently work overtime due to high activity in my sector; getting paid adequately for these hours would alleviate some stress.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Border Patrol Agent (San Diego, CA)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't often exceed the 80-hour mark, but knowing I would be compensated more if I did is reassuring.
- It’s a positive change, ensuring fair payment for extra work when it happens.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Border Patrol Agent (Yuma, AZ)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A boost in pay would be welcome, especially as I near retirement.
- It'll help pad my retirement savings.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Border Patrol Agent (Laredo, TX)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy won't impact me much since I'm new and not pulling many overtime hours.
- I think it's a fair policy for those who do work a lot of overtime.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Border Patrol Agent (Nogales, AZ)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having formal overtime compensation for extended shifts would be a great help.
- Financial planning becomes easier knowing the extra hours are well compensated.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Border Patrol Agent (Buffalo, NY)
Age: 41 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support the policy; it's a fair way to compensate when duty requires more hours from us.
- Having a clearer financial picture helps manage family expenses better.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Border Patrol Agent (McAllen, TX)
Age: 26 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Working overtime comes with many stress factors—being paid better for it helps.
- The extra pay means I can afford to take care of some personal expenses I’ve been delaying.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Border Patrol Agent (Detroit, MI)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see the policy as beneficial to ensure everyone is fairly compensated but personally won't see much change.
- My work doesn’t require excessive overtime.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Border Patrol Agent (Tucson, AZ)
Age: 43 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a team leader, my hours can pile up, so any extra pay is a meaningful improvement.
- It's a move that acknowledges the exhaustive nature of our work, especially at challenging borders.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Border Patrol Agent (Brownsville, TX)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy's acknowledgment of overtime is promising.
- It’s about getting what seems fair for the demanding workload; it boosts morale and trust in the system.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 2: $51000000 (Low: $40800000, High: $61200000)
Year 3: $52020000 (Low: $41616000, High: $62424000)
Year 5: $54080820 (Low: $43264656, High: $64896984)
Year 10: $59266020 (Low: $47412816, High: $71119224)
Year 100: $143496430 (Low: $115797144, High: $171195716)
Key Considerations
- The impact is primarily on labor costs for the Border Patrol agency, with the federal budget absorbing these costs.
- The bill provides financial benefits to a distinct group of federal employees, potentially affecting morale and job satisfaction positively.
- Temporary or fluctuating demand for overtime could lead to variability in cost estimates.