Over the last few years, the U.S. Border Patrol was subject to federally-mandated budget cuts, sequestration, and a ruling by the Office of Inspector General stating that the current Agency overtime pay system was being used illegally. As a result, the number of agents patrolling our border was sharply reduced and agents were leaving the force in droves. Absent legislative intervention, the Agency would soon find itself in an emergency state.

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene co-sponsored a bi-partisan bill to stop Border Patrol attrition and shield Border Patrol manpower from future budget cuts. On December 18, 2014, President Obama signed this bill, S.1691, into law.

On behalf of the National Border Patrol Council, I would like to express our deep gratitude to Congresswoman Suzan DelBene for her vital role in this legislation and for the support she demonstrated to the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol throughout the process. I would also like for her constituency in the 1st Congressional District of Washington State to know that their representative, without public recognition for doing so, worked vigorously to secure our borders.

Thank you, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene. It is an honor to live and work in your district.

Michael Cox, National Border Patrol Council Local 2913