CBP Canine Home Kenneling Pilot Act

Bill Number: H.R. 4057
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Immigration
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-09-26: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 266.
Last Updated: 2026-02-04T05:06:13Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

This bill, titled the "CBP Canine Home Kenneling Pilot Act," aims to create a temporary pilot program within the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO). The program tests whether housing working dogs (canines used for law enforcement) at their handlers' homes—instead of in government-run facilities—improves outcomes for both the dogs and the handlers, such as health, performance, and costs.

Key Provisions

Establishment and Timeline: The Executive Assistant Commissioner of CBP's OFO must start the pilot program within one year of the bill's enactment. It will run for at least two years and end no more than three years after starting.
Guidance Development: Before launch, CBP must create written instructions for field offices, developed in consultation with other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) units that already use home kenneling, the DHS Office of Health Security, and the National Treasury Employees Union (which represents federal workers).
Training Requirements: CBP must provide training for participating handlers on daily dog care (e.g., feeding, exercise, medical needs) and share best practices for safely bringing a working dog into a home environment.
Program Participation:
At least 10 ports of entry (entry points like airports, seaports, and land borders) must join, covering urban and rural areas.
Handlers participate voluntarily.
Reporting to Congress:
A briefing on the program's setup (guidance, training, and rules) must be given to key congressional committees within one year of enactment.
After the program ends, a report must be submitted within 180 days, including details on participating teams, findings from cost-benefit and performance analyses (comparing home kenneling to traditional centralized kennels), and recommendations on whether to expand home kenneling.
Definitions: "Home kenneling" is defined as housing federal law enforcement dogs at handlers' residences rather than agency-owned or contracted facilities. "Appropriate congressional committees" are the House Committee on Homeland Security and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new pilot program, which does not amend prior laws but adds an experimental option for canine housing in CBP's OFO. Currently, CBP typically uses centralized kennels for its working dogs; this tests an alternative model used elsewhere in DHS, potentially shifting toward more flexible practices if successful.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: Could enhance CBP efficiency by improving dog health and handler job performance, possibly reducing costs compared to centralized facilities. It may influence broader DHS policies on animal care if the pilot succeeds.
On Citizens: Indirect benefits through potentially stronger border security and detection capabilities at ports of entry, as healthier dogs and motivated handlers might improve enforcement of customs and immigration laws.
On International Relations: No direct impact, as the program focuses on domestic operations at U.S. entry points.

Main Stakeholders Affected

CBP Office of Field Operations: Primary implementer, responsible for setup, training, and evaluation.
Canine Handlers: Voluntary participants who would care for dogs at home; benefits could include stronger bonds with their dogs.
Working Canines: Directly affected, with potential improvements in welfare from home environments.
National Treasury Employees Union: Consulted on guidance, representing handlers' interests.
DHS Components: Provide input based on their home kenneling experience; the Office of Health Security ensures health standards.
Congressional Committees: Oversee progress through briefings and reports, influencing future funding and policy.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: The bill mandates consultations and reporting, ensuring accountability without overriding existing labor or animal welfare laws. It promotes voluntary participation, avoiding coercion issues.
Constitutional: No significant concerns; it aligns with Congress's authority over federal agencies and spending under Article I.
Political: Highlights bipartisan support (multiple sponsors from both parties) for practical improvements in homeland security. Success could lead to cost-saving reforms, but failure might prompt scrutiny of CBP resource management. The emphasis on union involvement underscores labor-friendly aspects in federal operations.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Correa, J. Luis [D-CA-46]

Cosponsors (9)

Rep. Gonzales, Tony [R-TX-23], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Luttrell, Morgan [R-TX-8], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26], Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. Pallone, Frank [D-NJ-6], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Pou, Nellie [D-NJ-9], Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3]

Recent Actions

2025-09-26: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 266.
2025-09-26: Reported by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 119-312.
2025-09-26: Reported by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 119-312.
2025-06-25: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
2025-06-25: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
2025-06-25: Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement Discharged
2025-06-20: Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
2025-06-20: Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
2025-06-20: Introduced in House
2025-06-20: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

CBP Canine Home Kenneling Pilot Act — issued 2025-06-20 — PDF (5 pages)
CBP Canine Home Kenneling Pilot Act — issued 2025-09-26 — PDF (8 pages)