Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act

Bill: 111-hr-3885
Sponsor: Rep. Brown, Henry E., Jr. [R-SC-1]
Introduced: 2009-10-21 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Animal protection and human-animal relationships
Disability assistance
Mental health
Veterans' medical care

Summary:
action_date: 2009-10-21
text: 
Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program for assessing the effectiveness of addressing post-deployment mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms through a therapeutic medium of assistance dog training and handling for veterans with disabilities. Requires such program to be carried out at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers that can provide training areas for such purposes.

action_date: 2010-05-20
text: 

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

 
Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a pilot program for assessing the effectiveness of addressing post-deployment mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms through a therapeutic medium of assistance dog training and handling for veterans with disabilities. Requires the pilot program to be carried out at: (1) at least three and not more than five VA medical centers over a five-year period; and (2) centers that provide a training area for educating veterans with mental health conditions in the art and science of assistance dog training and handling. Directs the Secretary, in hiring instructors under the program, to give a preference to veterans who have successfully graduated from PTSD or other residential treatment programs and received certification in assistance dog training.
 
Requires the Secretary to report annually to Congress during the duration of the program.

action_date: 2010-05-25
text: 

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House reported version is repeated here.)

 
Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a pilot program for assessing the effectiveness of addressing post-deployment mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms through a therapeutic medium of assistance dog training and handling for veterans with disabilities. Requires the pilot program to be carried out at: (1) at least three and not more than five VA medical centers over a five-year period; and (2) centers that provide a training area for educating veterans with mental health conditions in the art and science of assistance dog training and handling. Directs the Secretary, in hiring instructors under the program, to give a preference to veterans who have successfully graduated from PTSD or other residential treatment programs and received certification in assistance dog training.
 
Requires the Secretary to report annually to Congress during the duration of the program.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2010-05-26
text: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2010-05-25
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2010-05-25
text: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 403 - 4 (Roll no. 298). (text: CR 5/24/2010 H3720-3721)
action_date: 2010-05-25
text: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 403 - 4 (Roll no. 298).(text: CR 5/24/2010 H3720-3721)
action_date: 2010-05-25
text: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3788-3789)
action_date: 2010-05-24
text: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
action_date: 2010-05-24
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3885.
action_date: 2010-05-24
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3720-3721)
action_date: 2010-05-24
text: Mr. Filner moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
action_date: 2010-05-20
text: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 278.
action_date: 2010-05-20
text: Reported by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 111-490.
action_date: 2010-05-20
text: Reported by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 111-490.
action_date: 2010-05-12
text: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2010-05-12
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2009-10-22
text: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote .
action_date: 2009-10-22
text: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2009-10-22
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2009-10-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2009-10-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2009-10-21
text: Introduced in House