Today, March 31st, 2022, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02), a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, joined Reps. Dan Crenshaw (TX-02) and Henry Cuellar (TX-28) to introduce the Anti-Border Corruption Improvement Act. This bipartisan bill would amend the Anti-Border Corruption Act of 2010 by waiving a polygraph examination for credentialed and qualified officers.
“Customs and Border Protection is facing challenges unlike any we have ever seen. Our CBP agents and officers need more support, not more barriers. Record numbers of illegal crossings and employment shortages have left them in a tough position and they are doing the best they can,” said Miller-Meeks. “We should be giving more opportunities to allow qualified individuals such as law enforcement officers and veterans to join CBP. I am proud to join Congressmen Crenshaw and Cuellar to introduce this bipartisan legislation to cut red tape and support CBP.”
“As we face an unprecedented crisis at our border it is more important than ever that we do not unnecessarily block otherwise qualified CBP applicants,” said Crenshaw. “CBP should be able to waive the polygraph for those who have shown they can hold public trust through current employment as a law enforcement officer or holding a clearance in the military. This will allow CBP to bring in new agents and officers immediately so we can respond to the ongoing crisis.”
“The influx of migrants at our southern border requires the US government to respond effectively to the challenging situation on the ground. That is why I am working with my colleagues to reduce employment barriers for CBP applicants who have already earned the public’s trust through military or law enforcement clearance,” said Cuellar. “Those who choose to serve as Border Patrol agents deserve our utmost support. I applaud the men and women in green and will continue to provide them with the resources they need to protect our homeland, and our border communities.”
Background:
Recent reporting indicates approximately two-thirds of applicants are disqualified due to the polygraph test. This disqualification comes after they have already gone through seven other steps – including a background investigation – and is the second-to-last step in the application process. This bill will help streamline the application process for Border Patrol applicants who have proven they are fit and ready to serve.
A similar bill passed the House in 2017, 282-137.
Original source can be found here
