Share:
House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | May 10, 2013 11:29 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Michele Brooks |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Service Dogs for Veterans |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce a resolution that urges the United States Veterans Administration to strongly consider service dogs as a recognized therapeutic practice. Currently, the Department of Veterans Affairs will pay for service dogs for veterans who suffer from impaired hearing, vision or mobility. Unfortunately, current federal law does not permit funding for use of these service animals for those suffering from PTSD or other emotional traumas. Under my proposal, I wish to seek members’ assistance in strongly encouraging the United States Congress and the federal VA to recognize and fund the use of these dogs to assist in the healing of our wounded warriors. I believe providing Veterans with an animal companion to combat PTSD is a noble cause that deserves federal attention. Studies indicate the use of service dogs and companionship of animals can help those suffering from PTSD. Fortunately, the Department of Veterans Affairs is developing programs that help veterans and animals bond. They are starting to work with nonprofit associations who specialize in Equine therapy to address the emotional and mental health of PTSD sufferers. It is important that the Department of Veterans Affairs provide the best and most productive healthcare for our veterans. As the greatest nation on earth, we should do everything we can to help our wounded veterans to heal as best they can. For additional information on this program initiative, please contact my office to request a brochure about this mission. Please join me in sponsoring this very important resolution. |
Introduced as HR536