“Service Dogs For Veterans Act” Passes The Senate, But What Does That Mean?
Posted on | July 24, 2009 | 3 Comments
Just saw the news that the much talked about “Service Dogs for Veterans Act” sponsored by Sen Al Franken was passed in the Senate as part of the larger FY2010 Defense Authorization bill:
“Franken’s Service Dog for Vets Bill Passes Senate”
- OEF/OIF veteran Jeffrey Adams and his CCI service dog Sharif.
I’ve posted the two major pieces of proposed Congressional service dog legislation here in the last week for anyone who’s interested in reading them, but, beyond that, I really don’t have any intention of discussing them in any detail. Given my strong interest in this area, that probably surprises some people, but let me briefly explain why.
Largely it’s because I’m not a big believer in government ’solutions’ to problems to begin with, and, in this specific area, the track record is not so hot, to put it politely. Plus, between this legislation, things I see on the VA website, recent popular articles I’ve read that aren’t entirely accurate, private discussions that are taking place, and what we used to call “barracks lawyers” out there telling everybody “how it really is”, this has become a very confused subject.
Do I have problems and concerns with both of these bills and things I’d like to say? You bet. But there’s no point in me making things any more confused than they already are or possibly messing up something that’s already in progress, so I have been and will continue to be very careful in what I say. If I can’t add anything that’s helpful, doesn’t violate any confidences, and that I’m certain is accurate, it’s better to say nothing.
I don’t think it’s any big news, though, to say we are a long way from the shouting and the celebration here. There’s a ton of stuff to be sorted out, and we need to keep a watchful eye and remember that “things aren’t always what they seem”.
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3 Responses to ““Service Dogs For Veterans Act” Passes The Senate, But What Does That Mean?”
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About Me
I'm very active with Canine Companions for Independence as a former member of the Veterans Task Force and puppy raiser. Retired US Air Force Chief Master Sergeant with my last assignments at the Air Force Academy as the Fourth Group Sergeant Major and Dean of Faculty Superintendent.
I'm actively looking for a paid position doing what I already do full-time as a volunteer.
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January 11th, 2010 @ 11:31 am
where does this legislation stand, as of today?
January 11th, 2010 @ 2:05 pm
Scott,
The legislation was passed as part of the FY2010 Omnibus Appropriations Act and signed into law by the President on Dec 16th.
Implementation is another matter, though. Although most people who’ve written about this legislation act as if its funding and passage make it a done deal, the reality is there is still a lot to be sorted out. I know there are people working on that, but don’t know exactly where things stand today.
Al
April 23rd, 2010 @ 10:56 am
I was very excited about the introduction of a Service Dogs for Veterans Act, until I read the text. I was bitterly disappointed to read that the Act provides only for the Director of Veterans Affairs to conduct a three year research program into the advisability of providing service dogs for disabled veterans.
How useless! What the veterans require, and are certainly entitled to, are effective, viable resources offered to them which assist their rehabilition and return to private life immediately. We need funding for the training of the dogs, and a placement program put in place immediately!
I am going to devote my time to the attempt to link the needs of the soldiers with the resources of the available trainers. Our dog shelters are filled with dogs who would be a tremendous asset for our deserving veterans if properly trained and placed.
A “pilot” program of inquiry is a ridiculous waste of time.