Northwest PA News

U.S. Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA-15) and Don Davis (D-NC-1) have introduced the Keep Our Correctional Officers Paid Act, aimed at ensuring year-round pay for correctional officers at Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facilities. The bill addresses staffing challenges faced by BOP, with some facilities in Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District experiencing a 20% understaffing rate compared to authorized levels.

Rep. Thompson emphasized the importance of providing financial assurance to federal corrections officers, stating, "Federal Corrections Officers are essential personnel who work in a tough environment. They should have an assurance they’ll get paid should a lapse in federal funding occur."

Rep. Davis highlighted the need for the legislation, noting, "To ensure that correctional officers receive the same protections as other essential workers, we must pass this critical legislation and fulfill our duty to uphold public safety."

Brandy Moore White, National President of the National Council of Prison Locals 33, supported the initiative by saying, "The Keep Our Correctional Officers Paid Act is a common-sense solution that will mitigate the negative consequences of a government shutdown on our correctional system." She stressed that maintaining officer paychecks would help preserve essential services and support public safety.

The background context includes reference to the 2018-2019 government shutdown when BOP staff went without pay for 35 days. The BOP continues to struggle with retention and recruitment issues, leading to excessive overtime and untrained staff being required to fill officer roles.