First Fox: Border State Assembly members are pushing for border patrol agents to be paid in the event of government closures – just as funding deadlines are approaching in Washington, D.C.
Rep. Monica de la Cruz, R-Texas, is reintroducing the Border Patrol and Customs Agent Act, which ensures that the salaries of Customs Border Protection (CBP) employees will be paid in the event of government closures in 2025.
Specifically, it covers the salary and costs of border patrol agents and the field operations offices that staff the port of entry.
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Rep. Monica de la Cruz, whose district is on the border, has put in place the law. (Getty Images)
“Border Patrol agents go beyond that to ensure that our communities are protected and our borders are safe,” De La Cruz said in a statement.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, Border Patrol agents are able to fully fulfill their duties, and as a result, have reported historically small numbers of illegal crossings. They cannot risk their hard-earned political pay,” she said. The bill has 16 co-sponsors, including lawmakers from states along the border.
The reintroduction of the bill comes amid concerns about whether government shutdowns could occur in the coming weeks. Congressional negotiators have cut back on funding twice between October and 2025 by passing an ongoing resolution.
Close-up of the CBP Border Patrol Federal Agent Patch in St. John’s County, I-95, St. John’s County, Florida, on Monday, February 24th, 2025 (Stefanie Keith, Fox News Digital)
Congress could risk partial government shutdowns on President Donald Trump’s watch if nothing is done by the end of March 14th. However, GOP leaders are trying to pass another ongoing solution until the end of fiscal year 2025.
But lawmakers are stuck at Democrats’ demand that the resolution includes guarantees that Trump will not overestimate Congress and will spend less money than what is being allocated.
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De La Cruz’s bill will prevent Border Patrol agents from being affected if it passes, if it happens.
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“As the future funding deadlines, bipartisans will ensure agents and officers are still paid under the Border Patrol and Customs Agents Act during the potential expiration of government funding,” de la Cruz said.
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The reintroduction of the bill comes after President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance touted a sharp decline in border crossings since he took office, and Vance visited the Texas border and praised the work that border patrol agents are doing.
Liz Elkind of Fox News contributed to this report.
Adam Shaw is a political reporter for Fox News Digital, covering mainly immigration and border security.
He can be contacted at adam.shaw2@fox.com or on Twitter.
