Benjamin Gilman: “H.R. 633 amends the Foreign Service Act to provide that the annuities of diplomatic security special agents of the…”

“H.R. 633 amends the Foreign Service Act to provide that the annuities of diplomatic security special agents of the Department of State who are participating in the Foreign Service retirement and disability system be computed in the same way as applies generally to Federal law enforcement officers participating in the Civil Service Retirement System. Mr. Speaker, we all know of the good work around the world by the special agents of the Diplomatic Security Service. In general, Federal law enforcement officers who contribute an additional 1/2 percent of their basic salary to their retirement fund are eligible to receive a multiplier of 2 1/2 percent per year for up to 20 years, instead of 2 percent per year. This amounts to a 25 percent increase in their annuity computation for their first 20 years as law enforcement agents, in comparison to other 'Old System' employees. This bill ensures that our DS special agents would also receive this benefit which, as I mentioned, is available to their Civil Service law enforcement colleagues throughout the Federal Government. The legislation affects a relatively small number of people, around 200 DS agents in the State Department, and will resolve equity and morale concerns in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security.”