PEARL Act
- Bill Number
- S. 4079
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Immigration
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-12: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-22T22:38:56Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The PEARL Act aims to enhance the emotional support resources available to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel by creating a pilot program that adopts dogs from local animal shelters and trains them as support animals. This initiative focuses on improving welfare programs within CBP while promoting animal adoptions.
Key Provisions
- Establishment of Pilot Program: Within 60 days of the bill's enactment, the Secretary of Homeland Security, through the CBP Commissioner, must set up a pilot program to adopt dogs from local animal shelters. These dogs will be trained for CBP's existing Support Canine Program, which provides emotional assistance to staff.
- Duration: The program will run for three years from its establishment date, after which it will end unless extended by future legislation.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new pilot initiative within CBP's framework. It does not amend prior laws but builds on the existing Support Canine Program by specifying the use of shelter dogs as a source for training, potentially expanding adoption practices in federal agencies. No direct repeals or overhauls of current statutes are included.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: CBP and the Department of Homeland Security could see improved employee morale and mental health support through additional trained dogs, possibly at lower costs via shelter adoptions. It may set a precedent for other federal agencies to integrate animal welfare into support programs.
- On Citizens: Local communities benefit indirectly through increased adoptions from shelters, reducing euthanasia rates and supporting animal welfare efforts. No direct impacts on international relations are anticipated.
- Broader Effects: The program could encourage partnerships between federal agencies and local nonprofits, fostering community engagement without significant fiscal burdens (as adoptions are typically low- or no-cost).
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Department of Homeland Security: Primary implementers, gaining enhanced support resources for personnel.
- Local Animal Shelters: Direct beneficiaries through increased dog adoptions, potentially easing overcrowding.
- CBP Employees: Recipients of emotional support from the trained dogs, aiding in high-stress border security roles.
- Animal Welfare Organizations: Indirectly supported by promoting shelter adoptions on a federal level.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill is straightforward and administrative, requiring no major regulatory changes. It aligns with existing federal authority over agency programs under the Department of Homeland Security, with minimal risk of legal challenges.
- Constitutional: No apparent issues; it involves executive implementation without infringing on rights or federalism concerns.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (introduced by Senators Gallego, Cornyn, Kelly, and McCormick) highlights cross-party support for animal welfare and employee assistance. It could serve as a model for future low-cost, feel-good legislation, though its three-year limit tempers long-term commitments. Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs for review.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX], Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ], Sen. McCormick, David [R-PA]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-12: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 2026-03-12: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Providing Emotional Assistance with Relief and Love Act — issued 2026-03-12 — PDF (2 pages)