Today, Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) voted for the final passage of the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Several of Congressman Gonzales’ priorities for TX-23 were included in the NDAA, which will be signed into law at a future date. Congressman Gonzales’ provision to grant Border Patrol Agents in TX-23 increases to their overtime pay was included in the robust national security package. Qualifying agents would be authorized to receive thousands of dollars in additional compensation. 

Additionally, Congressman Gonzales' provision to increase funding for the Family Separation Allowance (FSA) to $400 from $250 per month was included in the final passage of the bill. Congressman Gonzales also helped secure $158 million for Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (JBSA-Lackland) and $74 million for Fort Bliss in El Paso.

“The FY24 NDAA strengthens our national security efforts, delivers for our servicemembers and their families, and enhances TX-23’s military installments. As a 20-year Navy veteran, taking care of the men and women in our military and those protecting our homeland is a top priority of mine. Border Patrol Agents have been working around the clock, and they deserve to be fairly compensated. I am proud that my provision to grant them additional overtime pay was included in this legislation,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales. “I am also proud to have delivered a funding increase for military families who cannot serve together—the Family Separation Allowance has not increased since 2004. With the passage of the NDAA, servicemembers eligible for FSA funding will feel much-needed relief soon.”

The FSA is an additional compensation given to servicemembers whose family members cannot live with or near them at their permanent duty station. This benefit aids service members and their families with the added costs that stem from living in separate locations. Currently, the FSA is capped at $250 per month. Through Congressman Gonzales’ efforts, eligible servicemembers will receive a $150 increase per month totaling $400.

TX-23 Provisions Secured by Congressman Gonzales in the FY24 NDAA:

• Increase in overtime pay for Border Patrol Agents
• Increases the FSA from $250 to $400 per month

• $74 million for the Fort Bliss rail yard

$158 million for JBSA-Lackland

• $20 million to complete the construction of a Child Development Center
• $48 million for a new Cyber Operations Center
• $90 million for a new Chapel in San Antonio for America’s Airmen

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