H.R.3965 - Providing Emotional Assistance with Relief and Love Act; PEARL Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3965, also known as the PEARL Act, proposes a pilot program within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to adopt dogs from local animal shelters and train them as support dogs. The program aims to enhance CBP's Support Canine Program. The bill mandates the Secretary of Homeland Security, through the CBP Commissioner, to establish this program within 60 days of the Act's enactment, with the pilot program lasting for three years.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the PEARL Act will lead to the creation of a CBP pilot program focused on adopting and training shelter dogs as support animals. This could reduce the burden on animal shelters and provide CBP with potentially valuable resources. The program's success will be evaluated over its three-year duration.
Potential Benefits
- Provides a potential new avenue for animal shelters to find homes for dogs.
- Could improve the effectiveness of CBP's Support Canine Program.
- May lead to cost savings for CBP by utilizing shelter dogs instead of purchasing from breeders.
- Could improve morale among CBP agents through canine companionship.
- Promotes positive community relations by partnering with local animal shelters.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs associated with training and caring for the dogs.
- Risk that some dogs may not be suitable for support roles, leading to wasted resources.
- Possible concerns about the dogs' well-being in a potentially stressful work environment.
- Limited scope as a pilot program, with uncertain long-term impact.
- May divert resources from other CBP priorities.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly the implied powers granted to Congress under Article I, Section 8, which allows Congress to make laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers, such as providing for national security and regulating commerce. The establishment of a support dog program within CBP falls under the umbrella of border security and law enforcement, which are legitimate governmental functions. No specific constitutional rights appear to be infringed upon by this legislation.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).