Border State Lawmaker Demands Border Patrol Agents Be Paid During Pending Shutdown: 'Above and Beyond'

First on Fox: A major push is underway to ensure Border Patrol agents stay on the payroll if a government shutdown materializes. Rep. Monica De La Cruz, R-Texas, is leading the charge by reintroducing the Pay Our Border Patrol and Customs Agents Act just as Washington faces looming fiscal deadlines.

The proposed legislation would guarantee salaries for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employees, including Border Patrol agents and the Office of Field Operations staff at ports of entry, even if the government hits a funding snag during FY 2025.

"Border Patrol Agents go above and beyond to ensure our communities are protected and our border is secure," De La Cruz emphasized in her statement. Her bill, backed by 16 co-sponsors from border states, aims to shield these agents from the political chaos that often accompanies funding lapses. And let’s face it—their work is no small feat, considering the complexities of border security these days.

The timing is critical, with Congressional negotiators scrambling to avoid a partial shutdown by March 14. While GOP leaders are eyeing another continuing resolution to keep the government running through FY 2025, there’s friction with Democrats over demands to limit presidential spending authority.

De La Cruz’s bill, should it pass, would effectively ensure that Border Patrol agents don’t become collateral damage in the budget tug-of-war. "The bipartisan Pay Our Border Patrol and Customs Agents Act will guarantee agents and officers continue to be paid during any potential lapse in government funding," she added.

This legislative push comes as President Trump and Vice President JD Vance spotlight their administration’s border security wins, including a significant drop in illegal crossings. Vance recently toured the Texas border, giving kudos to agents for their tireless efforts.