Amata Hails Final Passage Of PAWS For Veterans Bill

Press Release

Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata is hailing final passage through Congress of the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) for Veterans Therapy Act. Amata is an original cosponsor of H.R.1448, and supported a similar effort in the previous Congress. The Senate passed the bill this week, following up on House passage in May, so the bill has been sent to President Biden to be signed into law.

This unique therapy bill, championed by Rep. Steve Stivers (R-Ohio), pairs Veterans and service dogs to treat mental illness.

The PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act creates a special pilot program within the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) to give veterans access to treatment for mental illness by means of working with service dogs. The VA will partner with non-profit organizations already working with veterans and service dogs to expand the effort and create more work-therapy opportunities. Veterans learn the art and science of training dogs, giving them the benefit of a new mission and new skills, and simultaneously gain known personal health benefits.

Upon completion, the veterans may choose to adopt their dogs, send their trained dog to help someone else, or choose to take on another dog to train.

"It's wonderful to see Congress finish this good bill," said Congresswoman Amata. "Through this new VA program, many Veterans will enjoy the companionship and wellbeing of a service dog. A special congratulations to my friend Congressman Stivers, who has worked for this bill for years."

Studies (Kaiser Permanente and Purdue University) found the following benefits from working with service dogs: alleviating PTS symptoms, improving interpersonal relationships, lowering substance abuse risk, reducing suicide risk, and boosting overall mental health.

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