Bill would make Border Patrol overtime pay tax-free starting in 2026
In committeeH.R. 8917Latest action
Sponsor: Jodey C. Arrington · Representative · TX
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Official title: No Tax on Border Patrol Agent Overtime Act
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 8917 would exempt Border Patrol agents' overtime and extra pay from federal income tax beginning in the 2026 tax year.
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What does this do?
HR 8917 would exclude certain pay above the base salary of U.S. Border Patrol agents from federal income tax, including overtime, supplemental, and premium pay earned under the Border Patrol's specialized pay system. Hazardous duty pay would not be included in the exemption. The bill works by adding Border Patrol extra pay to an existing tax code category called "qualified overtime compensation," expanding a rule that already allows some overtime earnings to be excluded from federal income tax.
Who does it affect?
Active U.S. Border Patrol agents who receive pay above their base salary are the people directly affected. The general public's tax obligations would not change under this bill.
Why does it matter?
Agents whose extra pay is exempted would owe less in federal income tax, resulting in a larger take-home paycheck. The bill does not alter Border Patrol staffing levels, enforcement policies, or agency budgets.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMay 20, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · May 20, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.