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The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a bill, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, to have U.S. Customs and Border Protection establish a pilot program to adopt dogs from animal shelters to be trained as part of its Support Canine Program.
By a voice vote, the House approved the Providing Emotional Assistance with Relief and Love (PEARL) Act on Wednesday, its last day in session until after the Nov. 3 election. Pearl was the name of the CBP's first therapy dog.
The CBP in 2023 launched the Support Canine Program to improve staff morale, assist in grief, aid in trauma recovery from critical incidents and strengthen community outreach.
This bill would enhance the program by creating a three-year pilot program to adopt dogs from local animal shelters and train them as support dogs.
The legislation states the program shall terminate three years after it is established, and no additional funds are needed for it.
The bill was sponsored by Joyce, R-Bainbridge, whose district includes all of Trumbull County, and U.S. Rep. Lou Correa, a California Democrat. They introduced it June 18.
A companion bill in the Senate, sponsored by Ruben Gallego, an Arizona Democrat, was introduced March 12. It was placed on the Senate's legislative calendar Monday.
Joyce said: "For years, the men and women of Customs and Border Protection have faced mental health challenges. From confronting the scourge of illegal fentanyl crossing our border to witnessing the heartbreaking toll of human trafficking, these officers deal with some of the most difficult emotional stressors that can be imagined - and they do it every single day."
Joyce added: "The PEARL Act supports the mental health of CBP personnel while giving shelter dogs a new lease on life. I want to thank my colleagues in the House for supporting this legislation and I urge the Senate to pass it swiftly."
Correa said: "With the passage of this bill, more frontline officers and agents will be able to receive support canines to help them cope with the many stresses they face while protecting our homeland."