Klein Announces New Legislation to Provide Service Dogs to Wounded Veterans

Press Release

Klein Announces New Legislation to Provide Service Dogs to Wounded Veterans

This morning,Congressman Ron Klein announced that he will introduce new, bipartisan legislation to help train guide dogs and other service animals for wounded veterans. Klein's bill, the Wounded Warrior K-9 Corps Act, will establish a grant program for organizations that provide wounded warriors and disabled veterans with service animals, such as physical therapy dogs and guide dogs. This legislation helps keep America's promise to disabled soldiers and improves veterans' quality of life after their service.

"Since being elected to Congress, I have made it a top priority to stand with our nation's service members, veterans and their families," Klein said. "Recently, I learned of a new way that we can serve those that have served us. Right here in South Florida, and in other places around the country, private organizations are training animals to work with disabled soldiers and veterans. These service animals can be guide dogs, physical therapy partners, and new best friends for our veterans, and that is why I introduced to Wounded Warrior K-9 Corps Act to stand behind these organizations and the veterans they serve."
"I have seen these programs in action," Klein continued. "I have witnessed the growth of veterans and wounded soldiers after working with a guide dog or an animal that can assist them with physical therapy. These programs succeed, and I believe that every American who puts on a uniform and risks their life for this country should have our full support."

Klein announced his new legislation on Tuesday morning at the Broward VA Clinic. He was joined by Irwin Stovroff, a South Florida resident and former World War II Prisoner of War, who started an organization to train guide dogs for wounded veterans with funds out of his own pocket. Klein's legislation is designed to help non-profit organizations like Stovroff's meet their goal of assisting wounded veterans, even in difficult economic times, by providing competitive grants to supplement their private fundraising.
Last week in debate on the floor of the U.S. House, Congressman Klein raised the issue of the importance of a bill to help supply service animals to wounded veterans with the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Ike Skelton. In response, Chairman Skelton expressed his strong support for this legislation, saying that it will "surely take the next step with a grant for therapy dogs for our disabled soldiers and veterans."

Klein said Tuesday that he looked forward to working with Chairman Skelton and other members of the U.S. Congress to see this bipartisan legislation passed as soon as possible.

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