3 versions

SubstantiveWhat changed in ENGROSSED IN HOUSEcompared with INTRODUCED IN HOUSE (Jun 18, 2026)

A substantive change was made to H.R. 9327. v3 adds a new subsection 2(c) specifying that no additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the CBP Support Dog Pilot Program. This clarifies the funding mechanism for the program established in v1, mandating its operation within existing appropriations.

Skipping v2 (REPORTED IN HOUSE). Those versions changed too little to need their own analysis, so they reuse INTRODUCED IN HOUSE's. Changes are measured from the most recent version analyzed on its own.

H.R. 9327119th CongressIntroduced Jun 18, 2026

PEARL Act

Passed HouseImmigrationSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Joyce, David P. [R-OH-14]
Committees: Homeland Security Committee (primary)
Last action: Sep 16, 2026

Bottom line

This bill creates a limited-duration pilot program for CBP to source support dogs from animal shelters, aiming to enhance officer well-being without new appropriations.

What it actually does

This bill establishes a three-year pilot program within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to adopt dogs from local animal shelters. These adopted dogs will be trained and integrated into CBP's existing Support Canine Program, providing emotional assistance to personnel. The program explicitly states that no additional funds are authorized for its implementation, meaning it must operate within existing CBP budgets.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue this bill offers a humane and cost-effective way to enhance the well-being and mental health of U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel, who often face stressful and demanding situations. By utilizing dogs from local shelters, the program also provides a second chance for animals in need, aligning federal initiatives with community welfare efforts and potentially reducing euthanasia rates.

Opponents contend

Critics might contend that while the intent is positive, the 'no additional funds' clause could strain existing CBP resources, potentially diverting funds from other critical operational areas or leading to under-resourcing of the pilot program itself. Some may also argue that the program's scope is too narrow or that its effectiveness in significantly improving officer well-being needs more robust justification before implementation.

The bill is exceptionally short and clear, making it very accessible for any reader to understand its provisions quickly.

Section 2

Establishment of CBP Support Dog Pilot Program

prominently featuredstraightforward

This section mandates the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), to create a three-year pilot program. The program's purpose is to adopt dogs from local animal shelters and train them to serve as support dogs within CBP's existing Support Canine Program, providing emotional assistance to personnel. The bill explicitly states that no additional funds are authorized for this program.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupU.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnelImpactPotential improvement in mental health and well-being through access to support dogs.MechanismIntegration of trained support dogs into the existing Support Canine Program.ScaleDirect impact on personnel interacting with the support dogs within the pilot program.

GroupLocal animal sheltersImpactIncreased adoption opportunities for dogs, potentially reducing shelter populations and euthanasia rates.MechanismCBP adopting dogs directly from shelters for training.ScalePositive impact on the specific shelters involved in the pilot program.

GroupTaxpayersImpactNeutral direct financial impact, as no new funds are authorized.MechanismProgram must operate within existing CBP appropriations.ScaleBroad, but indirect, as existing funds are reallocated.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue this program is a win-win, providing much-needed emotional support to federal agents in high-stress roles while simultaneously giving shelter dogs a purpose and a home. It leverages existing resources and addresses two societal needs simultaneously.

Critics contend

Critics might express concern that without dedicated funding, the program could strain existing CBP budgets, potentially impacting other essential operations or leading to a less effective implementation of the support dog program itself. They might also question the long-term sustainability or scalability of a program reliant solely on existing funds.

Tradeoffs

The primary tension lies between the desire to provide support to CBP personnel and the explicit constraint of 'no additional funds.' This necessitates careful resource allocation within CBP, potentially requiring tradeoffs with other departmental priorities to fund the training and care of these support dogs.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.