Gonzales, McCaul offer bipartisan bill to support mental health of border patrol agents

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) pilot program would be created under bipartisan legislation proposed on April 23 by U.S. Reps. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) and Michael McCaul (R-TX) in which dogs from local animal shelters would be adopted and trained as therapy dogs for CBP personnel. 

“By improving access to canine therapy support, this legislation will give our law enforcement one more tool to improve mental health outcomes at CBP,” Rep. Gonzales said. “I am proud to be joined by a bipartisan group of my colleagues in Congress who support the hard-working men and women who defend our borders every day.” 

Rep. Gonzales sponsored the PEARL Act, H.R. 8119, alongside 11 original cosponsors, including Rep. McCaul, as well as U.S. Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Lou Correa (D-CA). The bill is named for Pearl, the first dog enlisted last year in the CBP’s Support Canine Program, who now serves the U.S. Border Patrol Laredo Sector in Texas.

If enacted, H.R. 8119 would direct the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and the CBP Commissioner to establish the pilot program, which would be focused on CBP’s efforts to obtain the dogs through adoption at local animal shelters. Adoption costs incurred by CBP would be reimbursed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Gonzales’ staff.

The pilot program would be valid for a three-year term and would help assist CBP in obtaining the number of dogs needed to reach the office’s goal of placing a therapy dog in every Border Patrol Sector across the country, the summary says.

“I introduced the PEARL Act to ensure our CBP personnel have additional support during this unprecedented crisis at our borders,” said Rep. Tony Gonzales. “These men and women work long hours year-round and face enormous challenges head-on.”

Rep. McCaul noted that CBP agents at the Southern border witness countless human tragedies during every shift they take — from medical emergencies to human trafficking. 

“It’s no wonder they’re experiencing a severe mental health crisis,” said Rep. McCaul. “I am proud to cosponsor 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.”

Rep. Correa said the Support Canine Program has shown promise in increasing staff morale and supporting patrol agents. “This is a strong step in the right direction — not just for those serving, but the communities they serve, too,” he said.