North Austin News

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and Congressman Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) introduced the PEARL Act, a bill aimed at providing therapy dogs to address the mental health challenges faced by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel.

“Our border patrol agents at the southern border witness countless human tragedies during every shift they take — from medical emergencies to human trafficking,” said Rep. McCaul. “It’s no wonder they’re experiencing a severe mental health crisis, as several agents told me on my recent trip to McAllen. I am proud to co-sponsor the PEARL Act to support these heroes and provide the necessary resources to address the psychological battles they face as they fight to protect our homeland.”

Rep. Gonzales echoed these sentiments, stating, “I introduced the PEARL Act to ensure our CBP personnel have additional support during this unprecedented crisis at our borders. These men and women work long hours year-round and face enormous challenges head-on. By improving access to canine therapy support, this legislation will give our law enforcement one more tool to improve mental health outcomes at CBP. I am proud to be joined by a bipartisan group of my colleagues in Congress who support the hardworking men and women who defend our borders every day.”

The bill comes as CBP has seen a deterioration in mental health and a spike in suicide rates among its personnel. Since 2007, CBP has lost more than 150 employees to suicide, with 2022 numbers at a record high.

The PEARL Act aims to enhance the Support Canine Program launched by CBP last year, which seeks to “reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression in the workforce.” The bill would establish a 3-year pilot program to help CBP adopt dogs from local animal shelters until a therapy dog is placed in every border patrol sector across the country. Adoption costs incurred by CBP would be reimbursed by the Department of Homeland Security.

Pearl, the first CBP support canine, currently serves at the U.S. Border Patrol Laredo Sector.

The bipartisan effort is also supported by Reps. Lou Correa (D-Calif.), Anthony D’Esposito (R-N.Y.), Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), Morgan Luttrell (R-Texas), Don Davis (D-N.C.), Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), and Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla).

The full text of the bill can be found by clicking here.