The U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on May 20 voted unanimously to approve bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) that would fix a glitch in how certain U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers receive retirement benefits.
The committee passed the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer Retirement Technical Corrections Act, H.R. 8844, which Rep. Fitzpatrick sponsored on May 15 alongside lead cosponsor U.S. Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME). The bill is also under consideration by the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee.
“A bureaucratic error should never erase benefits these officers were promised, planned around, and earned,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said. “This bill corrects the record, restores fairness, and honors their service to our nation. I will always stand with the men and women who protect America, and look forward to bringing this bipartisan fix to the House floor.”
If enacted, H.R. 8844 would correct a CBP error that caused certain officers to lose enhanced retirement benefits and add accountability safeguards.
“Our CBP officers stand on the front lines of America’s security every day — protecting our ports of entry, stopping illicit activity, facilitating lawful trade and travel, and helping keep our communities safe,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “When these officers relied on guidance from their own agency, they made career and retirement decisions in good faith. This is not special treatment. It is basic fairness, government accountability, and keeping faith with those who serve our country.”
Specifically, the bill would require the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to identify and notify eligible officers; direct the Office of Personnel Management to make the necessary annuity corrections, including retroactive adjustments for eligible officers who have already retired, and allow necessary waivers to ensure eligible officers receive the corrected retirement treatment.
Additionally, H.R. 8844 would require the Government Accountability Office to review CBP hiring practices, internal controls, personnel-file policies, and training related to enhanced retirement benefits to help prevent similar errors in the future, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Fitzpatrick’s staff.
“What’s fair is fair, and clerical screw-ups shouldn’t be allowed to stand between federal law enforcement officers and the benefits they were promised,” Rep. Golden said. “This bill is a simple solution to ensure the federal government lives up to its word. I urge my colleagues in the House to support this bill to restore fairness for these essential federal workers.”
The bill is supported by the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU).
“I am grateful to Congressman Golden, [Oversight and Government Reform Committee] Chairman Comer, NTEU, and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their unanimous support,” Rep. Fitzpatrick added.