WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), a former FBI Special Agent and longtime advocate for America’s law enforcement community, joined Congressmembers Don Bacon (NE-02), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), and Nellie Pou (NJ-9) in introducing the Law Enforcement Officer Fair Retirement Act—bipartisan legislation to ensure federal law enforcement officers receive fair and full retirement credit for the overtime hours they work in service to our nation.

Despite being expected to respond to emergencies at any hour, federal law enforcement officers are subject to statutory caps that prevent overtime pay from being fully counted toward their retirement benefits under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). The result is an unjust system where officers who routinely work long, unpredictable hours are denied the full benefits they've earned.

The Law Enforcement Officer Fair Retirement Act addresses this inequity by allowing federal law enforcement officers and criminal investigators to elect to have the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) calculate their retirement annuity based on the full value of overtime earned—ensuring a more accurate and just retirement benefit. This is not a pay increase, but a correction to ensure all hours served are properly accounted for.

“Our federal law enforcement officers step up every day, often working long hours in high-risk situations to keep our nation safe. But when their overtime isn’t counted toward retirement, we undermine both their service and their future. This legislation corrects that injustice. As a former federal officer, I’m committed to ensuring that every hour worked is honored—and that our brave men and women in blue receive the full benefits they’ve earned through sacrifice and service,” said Fitzpatrick.

“Our federal police and first responders have one of the toughest jobs in America,” said Pou. “They put their lives on the line every day. So it is unacceptable that an officer serving overtime does not get the full retirement compensation to which they are entitled. Our bill will finally fix this unfortunate loophole so that a federal law enforcement officer receives every cent they’ve earned.”

“Federal law enforcement officers work around the clock to keep us safe, answering the call of duty day and night,” said Bacon. “The LEO Fair Retirement Act will ensure these overtime hours count towards their retirement benefits, and I am glad to co-lead these efforts to ensure we properly compensate our officers for their service and sacrifice.”

“As the author of the First Responder Fair RETIRE Act, I know the unintended consequences and potential harm caused by a technical loophole in the law and the importance of closing these loopholes to ensure that our first responders get the benefits they deserve. Federal law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day and should not be denied fair compensation and benefits due to a quirk in the law,” said Connolly. “I am proud to support this vital legislation to restore full benefits to these heroes.”

“The Law Enforcement Officers Fair Retirement Act is not just sound policy – it’s a matter of principle. For too long, federal law enforcement professionals who have answered the call to serve have faced inequities in how their service is credited toward retirement. This legislation ensures that the brave men and women who put themselves in harm’s way are afforded the fair and honorable retirement they’ve earned. On behalf of FLEOA’s members nationwide, we strongly support this act and urge Congress to do the same,” said Mathew Silverman, National President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA).

Congressman Fitzpatrick has consistently fought to support law enforcement, first responders, educators, and public servants—delivering real, bipartisan results. Drawing on his own experience in federal service, he has led efforts to expand mental health resources, strengthen retirement security, and improve working conditions for those on the front lines of public safety. The Law Enforcement Officer Fair Retirement Act builds on these efforts by ensuring that federal officers are not penalized for the very dedication and overtime service their jobs demand.

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