Keep Our Border Agents Paid Act

The 'Keep Our Border Agents Paid Act' (S.3681) was introduced in the Senate on January 15, 2026, by Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) and one cosponsor. The bill was subsequently referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, indicating it is in the early stages of the legislative process. Its purpose is to provide continuing appropriations for certain employees and contractors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a government shutdown, specifically targeting covered components such as Air and Marine Operations, Office of Field Operations, U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and Enforcement and Removal Operations. This bill does not authorize new funding or increase the total addressable market for contractors. Instead, it ensures that contractors deemed 'covered contractors' (those supporting excepted employees or required to perform work during a lapse in appropriations) will receive pay during government shutdowns. This mechanism aims to stabilize revenue streams for companies heavily reliant on federal contracts within border security and immigration, mitigating the financial risk associated with government funding disruptions. The bill explicitly states that such sums as are necessary will be appropriated from the Treasury, not otherwise appropriated, to cover these payments. Companies like Leidos Holdings, Inc. ($LDOS) and TTEC Holdings, Inc. ($TTEC), which have significant government contracts, particularly in areas that could involve border security or immigration support, are structural beneficiaries of this type of legislation. While Molina Healthcare, Inc. ($MOH) is not directly impacted by this bill, $LDOS and $TTEC would see increased revenue predictability from their federal contracts if this bill were to become law. $LDOS is currently trading at $159.14, showing a 7-day change of +2.33% but a 30-day change of -10.54%. $TTEC is at $2.32, with a 7-day change of -7.2% and a 30-day change of -14.71%. The recent price movements for both companies show short-term fluctuations, with $LDOS seeing a slight recovery in the last week after a monthly decline, and $TTEC continuing a downward trend over both periods. As the bill is in the early committee stage, significant legislative steps remain, including committee consideration, potential amendments, and votes in both the Senate and the House. The sponsorship by a Republican Senator and one cosponsor indicates some bipartisan support, but its ultimate passage is not guaranteed. The bill's impact on market sentiment for affected contractors would increase significantly if it progresses through committee and receives broader legislative support.