Sponsors (40)
The bill modestly improves care and financial support for retired federal working dogs and their handlers by funding nonprofits and reimbursements, but does so with limited eligibility rules, potential administrative delays, and a small new federal expenditure.
Retired federal working dogs and their handlers (federal employees and law‑enforcement) receive partial reimbursement for veterinary care, reducing out‑of‑pocket costs and improving continuity of care.
Provides grant funding to nonprofit organizations that assist with retired working dogs, supporting organizations that provide care and helping sustain services for these animals.
Creates a federal program that recognizes the public service of working dogs, which may improve animal welfare outcomes and raise awareness of their needs.
Limiting grant eligibility to 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least two years of existence could exclude newer or small providers, reducing the pool of organizations that can receive support.
Delegating program administration and application requirements to DHS may create administrative burdens and delays for nonprofit applicants and handlers seeking reimbursements or support.
The authorized $1,000,000 annual funding increases federal spending modestly, which could add to budgetary pressures or crowd out other priorities for taxpayers.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates a DHS grant program (authorized $1M/year for FY2026–2030) for 501(c)(3) nonprofits to help pay medical care costs of retired Federal working dogs in handlers' care.
Introduced May 1, 2025 by Brian K. Fitzpatrick · Last progress May 1, 2025
Creates a DHS grant program that helps pay part of the medical care costs for retired Federal working dogs that live with their handlers. Eligible grantees are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with at least two years of experience providing such assistance. The statute authorizes $1,000,000 per year for FY2026–FY2030 to carry out the program. The measure also adds a short title provision and directs a clerical table of contents insertion into the Homeland Security Act. The grant program’s application and administration details are left to the Secretary of Homeland Security to define.