Following NTEU’s successful fight to secure the enhanced law enforcement officer (LEO) retirement coverage you deserve, I am pleased to inform you that progress is being made in implementing this important program.

NTEU's work did not end after we secured this key benefit in a 2008 spending bill signed into law last December. Over the past months, we have been working diligently with lawmakers and agency management to see that the LEO program is implemented properly and on time.

To that end, NTEU has received assurances both from CBP and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) that they will comply with the law and prepare for the benefit's July 6 rollout date, despite the president's efforts to repeal the benefit and eliminate its funding.

NTEU's efforts on Capitol Hill resulted in a strong letter of support for the LEO program from leaders of the House and Senate Homeland Security Committee to the OMB Director. The bipartisan leaders voiced their support for the benefit and for additional funding for the program in the fiscal 2009 budget submission. Director Jim Nussle responded that OMB and DHS will "abide by the law" and prepare to implement the program’s requirements despite the president's opposition.

NTEU is also pleased that CBP is moving forward with the necessary preparations and has begun holding local meetings providing employees with information on the benefit. In fact, NTEU has been closely involved with CBP's preparations since very early in the process.

Just one month after the LEO legislation was passed, CBP Assistant Commissioner Robert Hosenfeld indicated his intention to immediately collaborate on preparation plans and materials. In a letter to NTEU, the Assistant Commissioner acknowledged our leading role in securing the enhanced benefit. “I am sure this achievement would not have been possible without the efforts of you and the National Treasury Employees Union staff,” he wrote.

NTEU worked a long time on this issue and is committed to seeing that the program is properly implemented and you receive the information you need when you need it. Look for further updates from NTEU on the new retirement coverage as more details becomes available. In the meantime, visit NTEU's LEO web page at for more information.