Sinema’s law – backed by Senator Mark Kelly – delivers fair overtime pay for experienced Border Patrol agents working around the clock to keep Arizona communities safe

January 1, 2024 - WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema’s proposal to raise overtime pay for Border Patrol agents amid a record surge at the Southwest border was signed into law as part of the annual bipartisan defense legislation. 

The law – cosponsored by fellow Arizona Senator Mark Kelly – comes as Border Patrol agents and Arizona communities face a humanitarian and security crisis at the Southwest border.

“We’re cutting through Washington’s partisan noise to support Border Patrol agents in their mission to keep Arizonans safe and secure,” said Sinema, Chair of the Border Management Subcommittee.

“During a crisis when Border Patrol agents are working around the clock to process migrants and secure the border, this will get them the overtime pay they deserve,” said Kelly.

Sinema’s amendment restores overtime pay to time and a half for scheduled overtime for experienced Border Patrol agents. It comes as Arizona’s border is in crisis, with record migrant encounters and closure of the Lukeville Port of Entry overwhelming an already overworked and underpaid Border Patrol.

Sinema is a member of the bipartisan group working on real solutions to solving the border crisis in the U.S. Senate.
Source: Senator Kyrsten Sinema