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HOUSE 1448117th CongressBecame Public Law No: 117-37.

PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act

Last Action
8/25/2021

Actions

  • 2021-08-25Became Public Law No: 117-37.
  • 2021-08-25Became Public Law No: 117-37.
  • 2021-08-25Signed by President.
  • 2021-08-25Signed by President.
  • 2021-08-20Presented to President.
  • 2021-08-20Presented to President.
  • 2021-08-09Message on Senate action sent to the House.
  • 2021-08-06Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote.
  • 2021-08-06Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote.
  • 2021-08-06Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5990)
  • 2021-08-06Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S5990)
  • 2021-05-13Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
  • 2021-05-12Pursuant to section 6 of H. Res. 380, and the motion offered by Mr. Hoyer, the following bills passed under suspension of the rules: H.R. 297; H.R. 433; H.R. 478; H.R. 586; H.R. 721, as amended; H.R. 768; H.R. 810; H.R. 1205; H.R. 1260, as amended; H.R. 1324; H.R. 1448, as amended; H.R. 1475, as amended; H.R. 1480, as amended; H.R. 2862, as amended; H.R. 2955; and H.R. 2981. (consideration: CR H2235-2246; text: CR H2240)
  • 2021-05-12Passed/agreed to in House: Pursuant to section 6 of H. Res. 380, and the motion offered by Mr. Hoyer, the following bills passed under suspension of the rules: H.R. 297; H.R. 433; H.R. 478; H.R. 586; H.R. 721, as amended; H.R. 768; H.R. 810; H.R. 1205; H.R. 1260, as amended; H.R. 1324; H.R. 1448, as amended; H.R. 1475, as amended; H.R. 1480, as amended; H.R. 2862, as amended; H.R. 2955; and H.R. 2981.(consideration: CR H2235-2246; text: CR H2240)
  • 2021-05-12Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 380, proceedings on H.R. 1448 are considered vacated.

Showing 15 of 20 actions. Full history on Congress.gov.

CRS Summary

As of 2021-08-25 (49)

Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers for Veterans Therapy Act or the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act

This bill implements a program and a policy related to service dog therapy for veterans. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a five-year pilot program to provide canine training to eligible veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder as an element of a complementary and integrative health program. Eligible veterans are those who are enrolled in the VA health care system and have been recommended for participation by a qualified mental health care provider or clinical team.

The VA must seek to enter agreements containing specified elements with accredited nongovernmental entities that have demonstrated ability to provide canine training.

Veterans who participate in the program are authorized to adopt the dog they assisted in training if their health provider determines it is in the best interest of the veteran.

The VA must establish processes to document and track the progress of participating veterans with respect to health benefits and improvements.

The Government Accountability Office must brief Congress and submit a report on the program.

The bill also authorizes the VA to provide service dogs to veterans with mental illnesses, regardless of whether they have a mobility impairment.

Cosponsors (20)

  • Kathleen Rice (D-NY)
  • Michael Waltz (R-FL)
  • Elissa Slotkin (D-MI)
  • Neal Dunn (R-FL)
  • Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ)
  • John Rutherford (R-FL)
  • Tom Rice (R-SC)
  • Van Taylor (R-TX)
  • NYDIA VELAZQUEZ (D-NY)
  • Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA)
  • W. Steube (R-FL)
  • JAMES COOPER (D-TN)
  • Dan Crenshaw (R-TX)
  • Bill Johnson (R-OH)
  • JERROLD NADLER (D-NY)
  • Joyce Beatty (D-OH)
  • Vern Buchanan (R-FL)
  • Ralph Norman (R-SC)
  • Stephanie Murphy (D-FL)
  • Lee Zeldin (R-NY)

Subjects

  • Animal protection and human-animal relationships
  • Congressional oversight
  • Disability assistance
  • Government information and archives
  • Government studies and investigations
  • Health programs administration and funding
  • Mammals
  • Mental health
  • Neurological disorders
  • Service animals
  • Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation
  • Veterans' medical care

Became law: Pub. L. 117-37

Read on Congress.gov

Sourced from Congress.gov (public domain).

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.