U.S. Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and J.D. Vance (R-OH) recently introduced legislation that seeks to guarantee proper retirement benefits for all federal law enforcement officers.
The Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act, which would provide federal officers with 6(c) retirement benefits enabling them to retire after 20 years of service at the age of 50 or after 25 years of service at any age, recognize federal service performed by incumbent law enforcement officers after the enactment of the Act as service rendered as a law enforcement officer for retirement purposes, and expand the definition of law enforcement officer for retirement benefits to encompass all GS-0083 officers.
“For far too long, many federal law enforcement officers who risk their lives to protect us have been unfairly denied the retirement benefits other officers receive,” Booker said. “I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan bill that will rectify this disparity and ensure that the brave officers who selflessly serve in federal law enforcement receive the full benefits they rightfully deserve for their service and sacrifice.”
U.S. Reps. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Gerry Connolly (D-VA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the companion bill in the House of Representatives earlier this year.
“Due to an unjust distinction in our laws, thousands of dedicated men and women in uniform are deprived of complete access to federal retirement benefits. This is unacceptable and needs to change,” said Pascrell, co-chair of the House Law Enforcement Caucus. “I am thrilled that my friend and colleague Sen. Cory Booker is leading this fight in the Senate. Our bipartisan bill will help fix this loophole, ensuring federal officers receive proper compensation for their service.”