WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, as the border crisis continues to rage out of control and the federal government approaches a possible shutdown, Senator Rick Scott led his colleagues in introducing the Keep Our Border Agents Paid Act. This bill would ensure U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and contractors are paid in the unfortunate case of a government shutdown. This legislation is cosponsored by Senators Jim Risch, Tim Scott, Roger Wicker, Dan Sullivan and Ron Johnson, and endorsed by the National Border Patrol Council. Read more from Fox News HERE.

Senator Rick Scott is also a cosponsor of the Pay Our Military Act and the Pay Our Coast Guard Act to ensure the military and Coast Guard are paid as well in the event of a government shutdown. Unfortunately, Senate Democrats blocked both efforts to ensure these members are paid for their work and held harmless.

Senator Rick Scott said, “I have been to the southern border three times since President Biden took office, and the crisis is worse each time I visit. Failed leadership created this crisis and we cannot allow the border to go unchecked, and our border patrol agents to go unpaid, due to a failure of Washington to fund government.”

Senator Jim Risch said, “Border crossings are at an all-time high thanks to the Biden administration’s self-inflicted crisis. We must ensure our essential border patrol agents continue to receive pay and benefits regardless of a government shutdown.”

Senator Tim Scott said, “Our Border Patrol agents bear the full weight of President Biden’s open border policy, met with an onslaught of illegal immigrants every day. Now more than ever, we need our agents to keep our nation safe. The least we can do is ensure these brave men and women are paid for their invaluable work and continued sacrifice.”

Senator Roger Wicker said, “In the midst of an unparalleled crisis at our border, the last thing we should be doing is shutting down the government and cutting off pay to our border patrol. This legislation would ensure our dedicated agents get the compensation they deserve to continue protecting America.”

Senator Ron Johnson said, “The record-breaking number of migrants pouring across our southern border does not stop during a government shutdown, and our Border Patrol officers go to work every day during a shutdown—without a paycheck. This bill ensures these agents do not miss a paycheck while they work tirelessly to stem the tide of Biden’s disastrous border policies.”

“President Biden’s shocking dereliction of duty on the southern border is killing Americans across our country, including my constituents thousands of miles away, a result of the unfettered flow of fentanyl and other deadly drugs,” said Se. Sullivann. “President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas are responsible. Allowing our Border Patrol agents to go unpaid during a government shutdown will only add fuel to this unprecedented humanitarian, health and national security crisis. If my Democratic colleagues—who like to say ‘we all’ want a secure border—block this bill, they will continue to be complicit in the harm and loss of life being inflicted on American families as a result of this preventable catastrophe.”

National Border Patrol Council President Brandon Judd said, "Border Patrol Agents are some of the most patriotic people in this country. We love our nation and we love our fellow citizens, and if we have to, we will work without pay. However, thanks to Senator Scott’s bill, we might not have to worry about protecting our borders while also worrying about keeping food on the table for our families. We appreciate Senator Scott’s willingness to look out for the well being of all brave agents on the frontlines and we encourage Congress to quickly pass his bill into law."

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