McALLEN, Texas (Border Report) -- Two South Texas border lawmakers have co-sponsored a bill ensuring Border Patrol agents and Customs and Border Protection officers get paid in case of an upcoming federal government shutdown.
Republican U.S. Reps. Monica De La Cruz, of McAllen, and Tony Gonzales, of San Antonio, were among nine lawmakers to propose the measure on Thursday.
Republican U.S. Reps. Monica De La Cruz, and Tony Gonzales, of Texas, have co-sponsored the Pay Our Border Patrol and Customs Agents Act. (Photos Courtesy De La Cruz and Gonzales)
The "Pay Our Border Patrol and Customs Agents Act" would allow salaries and expenses of frontline agents and certain officers who work during a federal government shutdown in Fiscal Year 2025 to still be paid.
The measure currently is pending in the House Appropriations Committee, Border Report was told Friday.
There is growing concern that Republicans and Democrats won't reach an agreement on the Fiscal Year 2025 budget before a Sept. 30 deadline expires on the current continuing resolution that is currently funding the federal government. That would cause a government shutdown.
In that case, however, essential workers, like Border Patrol agents still must work. That includes about 19,000 Border Patrol agents and 25,000 Office of Field Operations officers who would work without pay.
About 72% of all Department of Homeland Security workers would be required to work during a government shutdown, according to the agency.
Traditionally, however, the agents have been paid back later -- after Congress reaches an agreement and passes a supplemental funding measure approving all back pay. But that could be weeks or even months, and it causes them financial hardship, De La Cruz's office said.
Earlier this week, the National Border Patrol Council, the union that represents the Border Patrol agents, announced it has endorsed De La Cruz as she runs for a second term in Congress.
"Monica De La Cruz is a hard-working, effective member of Congress who has consistently fought for Border Patrol agents, their families, and our national security," National Border Patrol Council President Paul Perez said in a statement. "Her dedication to ensuring our agents have the support they need, and her leadership in securing our borders, makes her an invaluable ally in our mission to protect America's borders."
She faces Democratic challenger and small businesswoman Michelle Vallejo in November.
"I am deeply grateful for the support of the National Border Patrol Council," De La Cruz said in a statement. "In Congress, I have made it a priority to work across the aisle to pass legislation that strengthens our borders and protects our communities."