[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 124 (Thursday, September 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1860]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               MORE BORDER PATROL AGENTS NOW ACT OF 2006

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. DARRELL E. ISSA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 26, 2006

  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6160, the More 
Border Patrol Agents Now Act of 2006.
  This legislation takes an important step toward making our borders 
more secure and our country safer. More agents along our Nation's 
borders will lead to better enforcement of our immigration laws. The 
President's commitment of 6,000 more Border Patrol agents in the next 2 
years is a good start to enhancing border security, but if these agents 
cannot be easily hired, or if current Border Patrol agents are lost to 
other employment, this enhanced security cannot be maintained.
  Personnel concerns should not be a factor limiting the effectiveness 
of the Border Patrol.
  H.R. 6160 addresses some of these concerns. By streamlining the 
hiring process and offering recruitment and retention bonuses, H.R. 
6160 takes steps to ensure that the Border Patrol will be an effective 
first line of defense at our borders.
  Numerous times, I have met with Border Patrol agents in and around my 
district in Southern California. On several occasions, the issue of the 
age limit for new hires has been brought up. Currently, the Border 
Patrol is covered under law enforcement retirement provisions, meaning 
new hires must be under the age of 40, unless they presently serve or 
have previously served in a position covered by federal civilian law 
enforcement retirement.
  This precludes retired members of our armed forces from employment by 
the Border Patrol if they are 40 years of age or older. Because of this 
arbitrary provision, the Border Patrol is unable to hire extremely 
qualified individuals, many of whom would need little further training 
to be effective Border Patrol agents. It is my hope that Congress will 
address the age limit issue so even more qualified agents can be hired.
  I want to thank Mr. Rogers for his leadership on this issue. I would 
also like to thank Chairmen King and Davis and both the Homeland 
Security and Government Reform Committees for responding to the needs 
of the Border Patrol Agency so it can better secure our Nation's 
borders.

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