House Passes Womack Cosponsored Bill Supporting Service Dogs for Veterans

Press Release

Washington, DC--May 12, 2021....Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today announced that the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) for Veterans Therapy Act (H.R. 1448), legislation he cosponsored, passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The bipartisan bill will expand the access of service dogs for veterans who are struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mental health challenges.

Congressman Womack said, "It's often said dogs are man's best friend--they are that and much more for our veterans. Service dogs are an effective and critical resource for our heroes--providing transformational and life-saving support. Ensuring our veterans have access to the therapies that help them heal and enhance their overall well-being is a national imperative, and I urge the Senate to quickly advance this bill."

The PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act will establish a pilot program within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that gives veterans access to treatment and therapy involving service dogs. Specifically, the VA will partner with non-profit organizations to develop a work-therapy initiative that allows veterans to help train canines to become service dogs. Upon completion of the program, veterans will have the opportunity to adopt the dogs they have instructed. This will create an enduring support system for our past service members.

An average of 20 veterans die by suicide every day, and PTSD impacts between 11 and 30 percent of veterans who have served in various conflicts. Research conducted by Kaiser Permanente and Purdue University has shown that working with service dogs alleviates the symptoms of PTSD, leading to better interpersonal relationships, lower risk of substance abuse, and overall better mental health.

Supporting this legislation is Womack's latest step to help those who have bravely served our nation. During his time in Congress, Womack has continually backed programs that increase VA transparency, encourage veteran employment, aid in suicide prevention, enhance healthcare options, and help with the transition back into civilian life.

The bill will now go to the Senate for consideration

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