WASHINGTON, D.C. — Confronting what lawmakers describe as a breaking-point staffing crisis inside the nation’s federal prisons, a bipartisan coalition led by U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and David McCormick of Pennsylvania on Tuesday introduced sweeping legislation that would deliver a 35 percent pay increase to federal correctional officers nationwide.
The Federal Correctional Officer Paycheck Protection Act is designed to stabilize the Federal Bureau of Prisons, where chronic vacancies and mandatory overtime have strained security, driven burnout and, according to federal watchdogs, raised serious safety risks for both staff and inmates. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House by Reps. Dan Goldman of New York, Rob Bresnahan of Pennsylvania and Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire.
A February 2024 report by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General found that BOP facilities have relied heavily on mandatory overtime and staff augmentation to cover gaps, creating conditions that may contribute to fatigue, sleep deprivation and reduced vigilance among officers.
Shaheen said the measure is aimed at restoring stability and fairness for officers who are routinely stretched beyond reasonable limits.
“FCI Berlin has dealt with workforce challenges that have forced a thinly stretched staff to work unreasonable hours just to help maintain daily operations and make ends meet. It’s untenable — and there’s more we can do to support the Granite Staters working to keep our communities safe and provide for their families,” Shaheen said, referring to the federal prison in her home state.
McCormick framed the proposal as both a public-safety and workforce issue.
“Federal correctional officers put their lives on the line every day guarding some of the most dangerous criminals in our country, yet they are paid far less than their federal law enforcement counterparts,” McCormick said. “This bill is about fairness, safety and retention, ensuring the Bureau of Prisons can recruit and retain qualified officers while restoring morale and enhancing public safety.”
Under the legislation, federal correctional officers would receive a special salary rate equal to a 35 percent increase to the General Schedule pay scale. The enhanced rate would apply to officers with custodial responsibilities, including General Schedule and General Law positions as well as eligible prevailing-rate employees.
The bill also includes a built-in accountability mechanism. A sunset provision would require the Justice Department’s inspector general to review whether the Bureau of Prisons has made measurable progress in cutting reliance on mandatory overtime and staff augmentation. If progress is verified, the higher pay rate would remain in place, with a report sent to Congress.
The proposal has drawn support from key law-enforcement groups, including the Council of Prison Locals C-33, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association and the New England Police Benevolent Association, adding labor-backed momentum to a push that backers say is essential to restoring safety and order inside federal prisons.
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