May 9, 2025
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick has introduced the Law Enforcement Officer Fair Retirement Act, aiming to rectify a discrepancy in retirement benefits for federal law enforcement officers. Joined by Congressmembers Don Bacon, Gerry Connolly, and Nellie Pou, the bipartisan legislation seeks to ensure that overtime hours worked by these officers are fully counted toward their retirement benefits.
Currently, statutory caps prevent federal law enforcement officers from having their overtime pay fully included in retirement calculations under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). This results in reduced retirement benefits for those who work extensive and unpredictable hours.
The proposed act allows federal law enforcement officers and criminal investigators to choose to have their retirement annuity calculated based on the full value of their earned overtime. “Our federal law enforcement officers step up every day,” Fitzpatrick stated. “This legislation corrects that injustice.”
Nellie Pou emphasized the risks faced by these officers: “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.”
Don Bacon added, “Federal law enforcement officers work around the clock to keep us safe… The LEO Fair Retirement Act will ensure these overtime hours count towards their retirement benefits.”
Gerry Connolly highlighted his experience with similar issues: “As the author of the First Responder Fair RETIRE Act… I am proud to support this vital legislation.”
Mathew Silverman of FLEOA expressed strong support: “The Law Enforcement Officers Fair Retirement Act is not just sound policy – it’s a matter of principle.”
Fitzpatrick’s initiative continues his efforts to improve conditions for public safety workers by addressing mental health resources and strengthening retirement security.
