Border state lawmaker demands Border Patrol agents be paid during pending shutdown: 'Above and beyond'

Rep. Monica De La Cruz, R-Texas, is reintroducing the Pay Our Border Patrol and Customs Agents Act, which would ensure that the salaries of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employees are paid in the case of any government shutdown in FY 2025.

Specifically, it would cover the salaries and expenses of any Border Patrol agents and the Office of Field Operations, which staffs ports of entry.

"Border Patrol Agents go above and beyond to ensure our communities are protected and our border is secure," De La Cruz said in a statement. 

"Under President Trump's leadership, Border Patrol Agents can fully carry out their duties and, as a result, are reporting historically low numbers of illegal crossings. We cannot let politics jeopardize their hard-earned paycheck," she said. The bill has 16 co-sponsors, including lawmakers from states along the border. 

However, lawmakers are at an impasse over the Democratic demands that the resolution include assurances that Trump will not overstep Congress and spend less money than what is appropriated. 

De La Cruz's bill, should it pass, would prevent any Border Patrol agents being affected if that did happen.

"With the upcoming funding deadline, the bipartisan Pay Our Border Patrol and Customs Agents Act will ensure agents and officers continue to be paid during any potential lapse in government funding," De La Cruz said.

Fox News' Liz Elkind contributed to this report.