Jenniffer González and Scott Peters introduce legislation to promote the recruitment and retention of DEA agents

Washington, D.C. - Representatives Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR) and Scott Peters (D-CA) introduced legislation (H.R.1296) to provide a cash incentive to agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) with proficiency in languages other than English.

Specifically, the bill introduced by the two lawmakers – both members of the Problem Solvers Caucus – would amend Title 5 of the U.S. Code to grant the DEA Administrator the same authority Congress provided to the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to provide a cash reward to employees of the agency with knowledge in languages other than English.

"This bill would place the DEA on the same standing as the FBI in being able to offer its personnel incentives for foreign language skills applied on duty. This is a high risk and high stress endeavor, which merits that the agents performing these duties be properly compensated and motivated to develop their skills in order to promote retention of experienced personnel. The bill is part of my agenda to reinforce security in Puerto Rico, making the positions in the agency more attractive, helping with the retention of more agents, and recruiting more personnel with more skills to combat drug trafficking", explained González-Colón.

"DEA agents serving in San Diego and across the country carry out high-risk operations every day to protect American lives and keep drugs out of our communities. Their job requires a unique skillset, and proficiency in foreign languages can be especially critical to the agency's work," said Rep. Peters. "The bipartisan bill we introduced today uses special cash awards to incentivize DEA employees to sharpen their foreign language skills. This will ensure we can retain experienced personnel and recruit quality candidates that will help enhance the DEA's mission."

Compensation would be up to 10 percent of basic pay to any employee who maintains proficiency in a language or languages required to fulfill their mission. Congress had previously authorized a similar incentive for FBI employees under Public Law 111-117. Congresswoman González-Colón and Congressman Peters' bill would provide the DEA the same authority, thus putting the agency's personnel on an equal footing with their counterparts in the FBI.