Stivers, Joyce join 200+ colleagues to propose bipartisan PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act

To help support U.S. military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), U.S. Reps. Steve Stivers (R-OH) and Dave Joyce (R-OH) led more than 200 original cosponsors in introducing bipartisan legislation to connect veterans with service dogs in their communities.

“This commonsense bill would help veterans access evidence-backed treatment that has transformed and saved lives,” Rep. Stivers tweeted on March 1, the day he sponsored the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) for Veterans Therapy Act, H.R. 1448, with 216 original cosponsors, including Rep. Joyce and Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-NY).

If enacted, H.R. 1448 would direct the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a pilot program on dog training therapy, and would amend title 38 of the United States Code to authorize the VA Secretary to provide service dogs to veterans with mental illnesses who do not have mobility impairments, according to the text of the bill.  

“The harsh reality is that PTSD impacts between 11 and 30 percent of those who have served,” Rep. Joyce said. “We need to use every tool available to help improve veteran mental health and prevent veteran suicides.”

Specifically, H.R. 1448 would direct the VA to partner with non-profit organizations that specialize in working with veterans and service dogs, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers. Upon completion of the program, the veterans may adopt their dogs to provide continuing therapy. 

“This has already helped veterans nationwide, and soldiers under my command in Operation Iraqi Freedom go out to restaurants again, go on planes, and mend relationships with their loved ones,” Rep. Stivers said. “Now confirmed by the VA, this unique treatment has proven to help veterans get their lives back, get their freedom back.”

H.R. 1448 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

“Programs that connect veterans with service dogs have proven to alleviate symptoms of PTSD, improve interpersonal relationships, lower the risk of substance abuse and suicide, and improve overall mental health,” said Rep. Joyce. “I’m proud to be an original cosponsor of the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act and hope that by bringing our veterans and four-legged friends together, we will be a step closer to providing our nation’s heroes with the care they deserve.”