McCaul, Gonzales, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Provide Canine Therapy Support for CBP Personnel
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) joined Congressman Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) in introducing the PEARL Act, legislation that would provide therapy dogs to address the mental health challenges facing Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel.
“Our border patrol agents at the southern border witness countless human tragedies during every shift they take — from medical emergencies to human trafficking,” said Rep. McCaul. “It’s no wonder they’re experiencing a severe mental health crisis, as several agents told me on my recent trip to McAllen. I am proud to co-sponsor the PEARL Act to support these heroes and provide the necessary resources to address the psychological battles they face as they fight to protect our homeland.”
“I introduced the PEARL Act to ensure our CBP personnel have additional support during this unprecedented crisis at our borders. These men and women work long hours year-round and face enormous challenges head-on,” said Rep. Gonzales. “By improving access to canine therapy support, this legislation will give our law enforcement one more tool to improve mental health outcomes at CBP. I am proud to be joined by a bipartisan group of my colleagues in Congress who support the hardworking men and women who defend our borders every day.”
Pearl, pictured above, is the first CBP support canine and serves at the U.S. Border Patrol Laredo Sector.
Background:
As border patrol agents struggle to keep up with the crisis at our southern border, CBP has seen a deterioration in mental health and a spike in suicide rates among its personnel. Since 2007, CBP has lost more than 150 employees to suicide, with 2022 numbers at a record high.
Last year, CBP launched the Support Canine Program, which aims to “reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression in the workforce.” The PEARL Act would establish a 3-year pilot program to enhance the Support Canine Program by helping CBP adopt dogs from local animal shelters until a therapy dog is placed in every border patrol sector across the country. Adoption costs incurred by CBP would be reimbursed by the Department of Homeland Security.
The PEARL Act is also cosponsored by Reps. Lou Correa (D-Calif.), Anthony D’Esposito (R-N.Y.), Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), Morgan Luttrell (R-Texas), Don Davis (D-N.C.), Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), and Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.).
Click here to read full bill text.
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