Fair retirement benefits sought for federal law enforcement officers under Bacon, Fitzpatrick bill

While overtime compensation for federal police and first responders is often negatively restricted, a bipartisan bill offered by U.S. Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) aims to ensure they receive full compensation for all extra hours worked as part of their retirement benefits.

“Our federal law officers answer the call any time of the day, or night, to protect Americans and acquire justice,” Rep. Bacon said. “Unfortunately, they are not recognized for the countless number of overtime hours they serve, and this bill will correct that. I’m pleased to join this bipartisan legislation to make sure our federal law enforcement officers get these hours counted as part of their retirement calculations.”

The congressmen on June 15 cosponsored the Law Enforcement Officer Fair Retirement Act of 2022, H.R. 8087, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ). If enacted, the bill would amend the United States Code to provide that for purposes of computing the annuity of certain law enforcement officers, any hours worked in excess of the limitation applicable to law enforcement premium pay shall be included in such computation, according to the text of the bill. 

Specifically, H.R. 8087 would permit federal officers to elect to have the Office of Personnel Management consider the full value of overtime compensation accrued in calculating their Civil Service Retirement System/Federal Employees Retirement System (CSRS/FERS) annuity to ensure all overtime hours worked are counted when calculating their retirement benefits, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.

“It is impossible to comprehend the duties and risks that are asked of our federal law enforcement,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “First responders deserve full compensation for their work and earned retirement. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation alongside my colleagues so that retiring members of law enforcement can retire with full benefits.”

The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association supports H.R. 8087, which has been referred for consideration to both the U.S. House Oversight and Reform Committee and the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.