Arizona Congresswoman Sponsors Bill to Increase Hiring of Border Patrol Agents
H.R. 2213 looks to increase the number of agents by waiving polygraph requirements.
H.R. 2213 — Anti-Border Corruption Reauthorization Act of 2017
H.R. 2213 is sponsored by Rep. Martha McSally (R-AZ). This act speeds up the hiring of additional border patrol agents by eliminating the polygraph requirements widely used in federal law enforcement. The LA Times reports that:
“[t]wo out of three applicants to CBP fail its polygraph test … more than double the average rate of eight other law enforcement agencies that supplied data. … [The CBP Commissioner and other law enforcement experts say that the polygraphs are intended to] eliminate bribery and other corruption on the border.”
Without the elimination of this requirement, the CBP will have difficulty hiring the 5,000 additional Border Patrol agents the White House has promised.
The last time there was a surge in hiring at the Border Patrol, problems related to corruption and abuse increased. According to Professor Josiah Heyman:
“… the number of employees arrested for misconduct [during the hiring surge], such a civil rights violations or off-duty crimes like domestic violence, grew each year between 2007 and 2012, reaching 336, a 44% increase … over the last 10 years, almost 200 employees and contract workers of [CBP] have taken nearly $15 million in bribes while being paid to protect the nation’s borders and enforce immigration laws.”
For and Against
H.R. 2213 has 9 co-sponsors, all Republican, who join Rep. McSally:
- Rep. Luke Messer (R-IN)
- Rep. David P. Roe (R-TN)
- Rep. Jodey C. Arraington (R-TX)
- Rep. John Carter (R-TX)
- Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX)
- Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX)
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