On February 22, 2013, members of the executive board of NBPC Local 2366 met with Congressman Pete Gallego regarding the effects of the upcoming sequestration. He explained that he fully supported the U.S. Border Patrol and was committed to doing what he could to help prevent the sequestration. Now that the sequestration is here, Congressman Gallego is still working hard, trying to get both sides of the aisle to work together to revert sequestration before furloughs begin and before AUO is de-authorized.
On March 14, 2013, Congressman Gallego sent a letter to House Speaker John Boehner and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor regarding how sequestration will affect CBP employees. That letter reads, in part:
“CBP employees are committed public servants who have dedicated their professional lives to our country. Sequestration will make it extremely challenging — and in many cases impossible — for employees to meet their mortgage payments, pay their healthcare expenses, plan for retirement, or help their children attend college. To be blunt, these families are at risk. After years of dedicated service, CBP employees deserve more from their country’s leaders.”
The following congressmen signed Congressman Gallego’s letter in a show of support:
Congressmen Joaquin Castro, Filemon Vela, Ron Barber, Juan Vargas, Ed Pastor, Beto O’Rouke, Raul Grijalva, and Ruben Hinojosa. NBPC 2366 thanks them all for their support, it is greatly appreciated.