Jenniffer González and Scott Peters file measure that would promote the recruitment and retention of DEA agents

Press Release

Congressmen Jenniffer González Colón (R-PR) and Scott Peters (D-CA) introduced legislation (HR1296) that would give a monetary bonus to agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) who have command of more than one language. The bill by lawmakers, both members of the Problem Solving Caucus, would amend Title 5, United States Code, to give the Drug Enforcement Administration administrator authority to provide a cash reward to employees of the agency with knowledge in languages ​​other than English.

"This measure would place the DEA in the same position as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), to be able to offer its staff incentives for mastering languages ​​related to their service. It is a high risk and stress job, which deserves that the agents who perform these functions are adequately compensated and motivated to develop their skills in order to promote the retention of experienced personnel. The project is part of my agenda to reinforce security on the island, this measure would make the positions in the agency attractive, helping with the retention of more agents and recruiting more personnel with more skills to combat drug trafficking ", explained González Colón .

"DEA agents serving in San Diego and across the country conduct high-risk operations every day to protect the lives of Americans and keep drugs out of our communities. Their work requires a unique skill set, and proficiency in other languages ​​can be especially critical to the agency's work, "said Rep . Peters. " The bipartisan bill we introduced today uses special cash bonuses to incentivize employees. DEA employees improve their skills in other languages. This will ensure that we can retain experienced staff and recruit quality candidates who will help enhance the DEA's mission. "

Compensation would be up to 10 percent of base salary to any agency employee who maintains command of a mission-critical language or languages ​​or who uses one or more languages ​​in the performance of official duties. There is already under federal law 111-117 that this incentive can be granted to FBI employees. This measure would add under this same statute to the Drug Control Administration.

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