Senate Approves Kyl-Feinstein Amendment
to Assist Border Patrol Efforts
June 10, 2002

Washington, DC - The United States Senate late Thursday approved an amendment co-sponsored by Senators Jon Kyl (R-AZ) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) that assists border patrol efforts by increasing the pay scale for border patrol agents and immigration inspectors.

"It is imperative that we provide ample pay for those who are responsible for protecting our borders. By increasing salaries for these workers, we will improve retention rates and be able to recruit the best individuals for these important positions," Senator Feinstein said.

"Border patrol agents and immigration inspectors are on the frontline of homeland defense and we need to make sure we have the best and brightest in these positions. This legislation goes a long ways toward ensuring that this will happen."

The amendment, included in the supplemental appropriations bill for counterterrorism efforts, designates $4.9 million to fund an increase in pay for border agents who have completed at least one year's service. Additionally, it provides $3.8 million to fund salary increases for eligible immigration inspectors who have been on the job for at least one year.

The attrition rate for border patrol agents and immigration inspectors is projected to be around 20 percent for the coming year. In just the past two pay periods over 200 border patrol agents have left the agency.

Increased pay for border patrol agents and immigration inspectors was authorized as part of the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002. The legislation, which was sponsored by Senators Feinstein, Kyl, Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) and Sam Brownback (R-KY), was signed into law by President Bush on May 14, 2002.

###