Duckworth, Budd and Colleagues Celebrate Passage of Bill to Support Service Dogs for Veterans and First Responders

Duckworth, Budd and Colleagues Celebrate Passage of Bill to Support Service Dogs for Veterans and First Responders

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) celebrated the Senate passage of their bipartisan Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act. This bill-which now goes to President Biden's desk to be signed into law-would instruct the U.S. Mint to develop a commemorative coin series honoring the critical role working dogs play in our society while providing financial support to help raise and train service dogs for Veterans.

"Working dogs provide vital services and companionship to so many people-from servicemembers and Veterans to the disability community and more," Duckworth said. "I'm proud the Senate passed our bipartisan legislation to recognize our furry friends while helping provide support to organizations that train these service dogs so they're ready to serve."

"Working dogs help our nation's active-duty service members, veterans, and first-responders recover from injury, enhance their independence, and improve their lives. I commend the Senate and House for passing our bipartisan bill," said Budd. "This commemorative coin will honor the service of working dogs and provide funding to raise more service dogs for America's heroes. I'm proud to lead this effort to give back to those who serve our country."

"Working dogs are vital to the many Americans who rely on them, including our nation's veterans," Tillis said. "I am proud the Senate passed this legislation to honor our amazing working dogs and support America's VetDogs."

"Our veterans face unique challenges re-integrating into civilian life after they've left the military and we owe them solutions and support as they transition their lives. Service dogs provide the companionship and everyday assistance that make a real positive impact towards independence, quality of life, and mental health," said Kelly. "As we continue to confront the crisis of rising veteran suicide rates, I'm proud that our bipartisan legislation delivers solutions by expanding access to this critical form of support-and makes it available to America's heroes at no cost."

All surcharges from the bill will go to America's VetDogs to ensure that this organization can continue to provide these lifesaving animals to Veterans and first responders with disabilities at no cost to the individual.

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