Press Releases

The Canine Reporting Act was introduced by Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.  

The legislation mandates reporting by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to Congress on the average time it took for a veteran to be paired with a service dog in the previous year. The bill also requires the VA secretary submit legislative recommendations to Congress to reduce wait times.

“The men and women who voluntarily serve the United States in the armed forces are people of character and grit,” Rep. De La Cruz said. “They are willing to sacrifice their health and wellbeing to protect their fellow Americans. It is only right that we step up and give them the benefits they earn. In the case of a disabled veteran, a service dog can help accomplish basic tasks and give a disabled veteran freedom again. Unfortunately, the wait times are often long. That is why I introduced the Canine Reporting Act, which requires the VA secretary report back to us on the actual wait times and ways we can cut through the red tape and delays. Our brave veterans deserve the best care, and a service dog is a great place to start.”

The bill is co-sponsored by 21 Members of Congress.