Speech #920258857

But. for the sake of the RECORD. I have an argumeht emphasizing the true facts in this case. and I hope. if there are moments of leisure over the weekend. the Members will give serious attention to these remarks and to what might have been. Madam Chairman. extension preferential early retirement benefits to customs and immigration personnel. whose primary duties are nonhazardous baggage inspection and other portofentry functions. would have serious precedential effects for other groups of Federal employees with "hazardous" duties. It should be noted that the basis for early retirement is not the element of hazard. per se. in an occupation. but rather the need for a younger and more vigorous work force than would ordinarily be the case. There is no evidence that a young and vigorous work force is necessary for effective customs and immigration. work involving baggage inspection. discharging and loading. weighing. gaging. searching cargo. and so forth. In fact. the opposite is generally acknowledged to be the case: It is often the older. more experienced inspectors who develop the essential "sixth sense" said to be invaluable in spotting illegal entrants. contraband goods. narcotics. and so forth. Moreover. the early retirement formula provided law enforcement personnel today no longer serves to keep that force young and vigorous.