[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 91 (Thursday, July 13, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7513-S7514]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Ms. MIKULSKI (for herself and Mr. Sarbanes):
  S. 3652. A bill to amend the definition of a law enforcement officer 
under subchapter III of chapter 83 and chapter 84 of title 5, United 
States Code, respectively, to ensure the inclusion of certain 
positions; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental 
Affairs.
  Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, today I am reintroducing the Law 
Enforcement Officers Retirement Equity Act. I am proud to be joined on 
this bill by my colleague and friend, Senator Sarbanes. This 
legislation will ensure that all Federal law enforcement officers have 
the same retirement options and that their pay and benefits conform to 
the federal law enforcement retirement system.
  Under current law, most Federal law enforcement officers and 
firefighters are eligible to retire at age 50 with 20 years of Federal 
service. But some Federal law enforcement personnel, such as customs 
and immigration inspectors at the Department of Homeland Security or 
police officers at Veterans Affairs, are not eligible for these same

[[Page S7514]]

benefits. This legislation will amend current law and grant the same 
pay and 20-year retirement to all law enforcement officers.
  We must honor our Federal law enforcement personnel. The names of 
Federal law enforcement officials who have died in the line of duty are 
engraved on the Law Enforcement Memorial. We include the names of the 
officers from Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs. We honor them 
when they die, but we don't recognize them when they are living.
  We need to make sure that all Federal law enforcement officers earn 
the pay and benefits that they deserve. These brave men and women are 
the country's first line of defense against terrorism and the smuggling 
of illegal drugs at our borders. They have the same law enforcement 
training as all other law enforcement personnel, and face the same 
risks and challenges.
  For example, U.S. Customs inspectors are responsible for the most 
arrests performed by Customs Service employees. Yet they do not qualify 
for law enforcement officer status. Along with U.S. Customs agents, 
uniformed U.S. Customs inspectors are helping to provide additional 
security at the nation's airports and help enforce U.S. Customs laws. 
They were among the first to respond to the tragedy at the World Trade 
Center. After September 11, Customs inspectors are playing a critical 
role in ensuring that terrorists don't get their hands on weapons of 
mass destruction and smuggle them into the country.
  Like customs inspectors, immigration inspectors at the Department of 
Homeland Security are also on the front lines of defense against 
terrorism. Immigration inspectors enforce the Nation's immigration laws 
at more than 300 ports of entry. In the normal course of their duties, 
they enforce criminal law, make arrests, interrogate applicants for 
entry, search persons and effects, and seize evidence. Inspectors' 
responsibilities have become increasing complex as political, economic 
and social unrest has increased globally. The threat of terrorism only 
increases these responsibilities.
  This legislation is cost effective. Any cost that is created by this 
act is more than offset by savings in training costs and increased 
revenue collection. A 20-year retirement bill for these critical 
employees will reduce turnover, increase productivity, decrease 
employee recruitment and development costs, and enhance the retention 
of a well-trained and experienced work force. These vital Federal 
employees bear the same risks and work under similar conditions to 
other law enforcement officials and deserve to receive the same level 
of benefits.
  This bill will improve the effectiveness of our Federal workforce to 
ensure the integrity of our borders and proper collection of the taxes 
and duties owed to the Federal Government. This bill is strongly 
supported by the National Treasury Employees Union. I urge my 
colleagues to join me again in this Congress in expressing support for 
this bill and finally getting it enacted.
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