H.R. 3891: Northern Border Security and Staffing Reform Act (119th Congress) Bill Summary

The Northern Border Security and Staffing Reform Act aims to address staffing shortages and prepare for upcoming retirements within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), particularly along the northern border with Canada. Here’s a breakdown of the main components of the bill:

Purpose of the Act

The Act seeks to amend existing laws regarding northern border security by requiring annual reports and updates on the threat analysis related to border security and staffing levels at ports of entry.

Findings by Congress

There is a current nationwide staffing shortage of about 5,800 CBP officers.
A significant increase in retirements (400%) is expected in 2028, particularly affecting northern border ports of entry. This could leave these ports understaffed and unable to adequately protect against potential threats.
Northern border ports face unique challenges that make it harder to recruit and retain officers, such as harsh weather, isolation, and limited housing and economic opportunities.

Federal Response and Recommendations

The Act expresses the sense of Congress that a surge in hiring for qualified recruits is necessary to mitigate the effects of the impending retirement wave and the current staffing shortages at the northern border.

Updates to Threat Analysis

The bill requires amendments to the Northern Border Security Review Act to include more comprehensive analysis and planning. Key updates will include:

An updated assessment of the current number of CBP officers compared to projected future demands.
Strategies to manage the expected future retirement surges and the associated risks.
Challenges related to housing for new officers.
Development of recruitment plans aimed at attracting local candidates for CBP positions at northern border ports.

Additional Reporting Elements

The Secretary of Homeland Security is tasked with including specific elements in future threat analyses, such as:

Plans to address staffing challenges, including any updates to recruitment strategies.
Feasibility assessments of various recruitment and retention tools, such as hiring bonuses, additional salary incentives, and student loan repayment options.

Definition of Local Recruiting Plans

“Local recruiting plans” are defined to focus on strategies that motivate and assist local candidates to pursue careers within U.S. Customs and Border Protection at nearby ports of entry.