Federal Correctional Officer Paycheck Protection Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10]
- Committees
- Oversight and Government Reform Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jan 13, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to significantly boost the pay of federal correctional staff by 35% to address critical staffing shortages and improve prison safety, with a built-in review mechanism to ensure accountability for the investment.
What it actually does
This bill amends Title 5 of the United States Code to establish special base rates of pay for Federal correctional officers and certain prevailing rate employees of the Bureau of Prisons, mandating a 35% increase to their base compensation. It includes a 5-year sunset clause for these pay rates, which can be nullified if the Inspector General of the Department of Justice determines that the Bureau of Prisons has made measurable progress in reducing augmentation (use of non-custodial staff for officer duties) and excessive mandatory overtime, and that the rates have positively impacted recruitment, retention, and institutional safety.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that the current pay structure for Federal correctional officers is insufficient to attract and retain qualified personnel, leading to chronic staffing shortages, excessive mandatory overtime, and compromised institutional safety. They contend that a substantial pay increase is essential to recognize the dangerous and demanding nature of the job, improve morale, reduce reliance on non-custodial staff for security duties, and enhance the overall effectiveness and safety of federal correctional facilities.
Opponents contend
Potential opponents might raise concerns about the significant fiscal cost of a 35% pay increase across a large federal workforce, especially without specified offsets or a clear, immediate funding mechanism. They might also question whether a blanket pay increase is the most efficient or targeted solution to complex recruitment and retention issues, suggesting that other factors like working conditions, career progression, or specific facility needs might require different interventions. Some could also argue that the sunset clause and review mechanism are insufficient to ensure robust accountability for such a substantial investment.
The bill is relatively short and its core provisions are clearly articulated, making it accessible for a quick read and understanding of its primary intent.
Section 2(a), inserting new Section 5332b into Title 5, U.S. Code.
Establishes Special Base Rates of Pay for Federal Correctional Officers
This provision creates a new category of 'Federal correctional officer' and mandates a 35% increase to their applicable General Schedule (GS) base rate or Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) special base rate. This increased rate becomes their new basic pay for all purposes, including locality pay, overtime, and retirement calculations, but cannot exceed the rate for Executive Schedule Level V. It defines eligible officers as those primarily involved in inmate custody, control, supervision, or routine direct inmate contact.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this direct and substantial pay increase is crucial for recognizing the hazardous and demanding nature of correctional work, making federal correctional officer positions more competitive with state and local counterparts, and improving recruitment and retention in a critically understaffed sector.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that a 35% increase is excessive and could set a precedent for other federal employee groups seeking similar adjustments, leading to significant budgetary strain. They might also question if this large increase is the most fiscally responsible way to address retention issues, compared to other incentives.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the urgent need to adequately compensate and retain correctional officers in a challenging environment against the significant fiscal implications of a large, across-the-board pay raise for a substantial federal workforce.
Section 2(c), amending Section 5343 of Title 5, U.S. Code.
Increases Wage Rates for Certain Prevailing Rate Employees of the Bureau of Prisons
This section extends a 35% wage rate increase to certain 'covered employees' within the Bureau of Prisons who are classified under the Federal Wage System (not higher than grade 9). These are employees whose duties primarily involve inmate custody, control, supervision, or routine direct inmate contact, but are not covered by the GS/LEO special rates. This increased wage rate also counts as basic pay for all relevant purposes, but cannot exceed the annual rate for Executive Schedule Level IV.
Section 3.
Establishes a 5-Year Sunset and Performance Review
The special pay rates established by the Act are set to terminate after 5 years. However, 180 days before this sunset, the Inspector General of the Department of Justice must review and report to Congress on the Bureau of Prisons' progress in reducing 'augmentation' (use of non-custodial employees for officer duties) and excessive mandatory overtime, as well as the impact of the pay rates on recruitment, retention, and institutional safety. If the IG determines measurable progress has been made in eliminating augmentation and reducing excessive mandatory overtime, the sunset provision is nullified, and the special pay rates continue indefinitely.