S. 1444: Border Patrol Enhancement Act
Quick Facts
Bill Sponsor: Sen. James Lankford (R-OK)
Congress: 118th
Date Introduced: May 4, 2023
Last Action: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably. (July 19, 2023)
Bill Summary
Border Patrol Enhancement Act
This bill addresses various issues related to U.S. Border Patrol staffing.
The bill establishes for the U.S. Border Patrol an authorized personnel level of 20,500 agents, which may be adjusted by the Department of Homeland Security using a validated personnel requirements determination model required by this bill. Specifically, the U.S. Border Patrol must complete a personnel requirements determination model and contract with a research entity to analyze the validity of the model.
The bill also provides for higher minimum pay rates for agents.
Furthermore, the U.S. Border Patrol must require agents, employees, and certain contract employees to participate in continuing education on various topics, including (1) the nonlethal use of force policies and de-escalation strategies; (2) identifying and responding to vulnerable populations, such as children and victims of human trafficking; and (3) relevant cultural, societal, racial, and religious training.