Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers for Veterans Therapy Act
Floor Speech
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Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act. I am incredibly proud to be coleading this bipartisan bill to connect veterans with service dogs in their communities and improve outcomes for veterans' mental health and well-being.
There are two amazing organizations in Livingston County in my district that train dogs and place them with veterans in need: Veteran Service Dogs in Howell, Michigan, and Blue Star Service Dogs in Pinckney.
In December, I had the chance to visit Blue Star Service Dogs for myself. It was incredible to see these dogs in action and hear directly from veterans about how service dogs are helping them heal from depression, PTSD, and so many other invisible service-related wounds.
Both organizations are doing amazing work for veterans in our community, and I want to salute them.
This bill before us today sets up a pilot program through the VA to partner with local nonprofits, just like the ones in my district, to create work-therapy programs for veterans to help expand the number of veterans who can access the benefits of training and adopting a service dog.
This issue is particularly personal to me. I am an Army wife. I am married to a 30-year Army officer, an Apache pilot. I have a step- daughter currently on Active Duty, a son-in-law on Active Duty, and my other step-daughter is a physician at the VA.
While we make the decision to send men and women to fight for our country, we make the decision to support them for the rest of their lives. That is a nonpartisan responsibility, and it couldn't be more clear or more urgent, especially as we recognize the staggering rate of suicide in the veteran community.
Every day, an average of 17 veterans are victims of suicide. Think about that. Within the community of veterans that served in Iraq and Afghanistan, more veterans have been lost to suicide than to combat, which is both devastating and unacceptable.
The PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act will have a real impact on improving the well-being of our veterans. All you need to do is talk to a veteran suffering from depression or PTSD to understand what adopting a dog does for their lives.
I am incredibly proud of what this bill represents: a group of Democrats and Republicans finding an area of strong common ground and pushing legislation to a vote that could have significant impact.
Mr. DAVID P. ROE of Tennessee. Rose), my good friend and fellow colleague.
Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers for Veterans Therapy Act, or PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act.
I thank the distinguished gentleman from Tennessee for yielding me this time and for his service to the good people of Tennessee.
I also wholeheartedly thank Representative Stivers for approaching me about cosponsoring this outstanding policy proposal. His leadership on this issue is truly appreciated by me, but more importantly, by America's veterans.
While we are enjoying a time of unparalleled economic growth in my lifetime, a safer and more secure Nation, and 243 years of enduring freedom made possible in no small part by the sacrifice of our servicemembers, we also live in a time when approximately 20 veterans are lost to suicide every day.
This heartbreaking reality calls us to action. Research has demonstrated the powerful effect of service dogs in the lives of those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. These loyal companions have been shown to lead to stronger mental health, greater purpose in life, and renewed hope.
Today, I stand up for our veterans in Tennessee and all of our veterans across the country who would find support from PAWS. I invite my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to join us in supporting our veterans and vote for the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act.
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