House Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik, alongside Congressman Randy Weber of Texas, has reintroduced the Pay Our Correctional Officers Fairly Act. This legislation aims to include Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facilities classified as “Rest of the U.S.” in higher locality pay areas if they are within a 200-mile radius of such regions. The bill seeks to address issues related to cost of living, commute times, and the challenging work conditions faced by BOP staff.
Chairwoman Stefanik emphasized her commitment to resolving challenges like low staffing and retention that correctional officers encounter. “As the Representative of FCI Ray Brook, I am working to address the significant challenges our hardworking correctional officers are facing such as low staffing and retention issues,” she stated. She highlighted the daily risks correctional officers take and expressed her dedication to improving their compensation and retirement conditions.
Congressman Weber echoed these sentiments, noting the essential role correctional officers play in community safety. “Our correctional officers put their lives on the line day in and day out to keep our communities safe,” he said. He underscored that fair compensation is necessary for acknowledging their responsibilities.
Federal prisons outside established General Schedule locality pay areas fall under “Rest of U.S.” (RUS) locality pay, leading to high staff turnover, low morale, and increased overtime due to insufficient wages compared with higher-cost living areas nearby. This situation results in understaffed prisons with overworked employees, which poses safety risks for both staff and inmates. Insufficient staffing leads to reduced inmate activities like visitations and educational programs.
The bill’s full text is available online for public review.
