SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — Two Border Patrol agents who wanted to remain anonymous tell Border Report they are not worried about their lack of pay during the government shutdown, saying “they’ll eventually get their money.”
They did admit being concerned about paying for “travel soccer, cars and other monthly bills” if the budget impasse in Washington goes on much longer, it’s now entering its third week.
The agents are part of the 60,000 estimated Customs and Border Patrol personnel who remain on the job protecting the country’s borders and ports of entry.
Those who are deemed as essential workers such as air traffic controllers, law enforcement and the military are kept on but without pay.
Thousands of other federal employees have been furloughed for the time being.
Over the weekend, President Trump said his administration would do everything possible to ensure members of the military get paid.
According to CNN, the Pentagon is trying to move billions from funds approved by Congress for research to pay troops this week in a move that could signal the shutdown could extend for quite some time.
So far, there has been no mention of CBP officers and agents receiving their compensation before the government budget impasse ends.
“Maybe they should offer interest on our money,” one Border Patrol agent jokingly discussed what it’s like working but not getting paid. “The last time we had one was about six years ago, it went on forever, but we survived.”
In 2019, the government shut down for 35 days during President Trump’s first administration.
According to laws already in place, Social Security and Medicare benefits are still issued and the U.S. Treasury continues to make payments on the national debt.
U.S. courts remain in operation temporarily using fees already collected.
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