Washington, D.C.– Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) and Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09) introduced legislation, the Military Working Dog Retirement Act, requiring military working dogs to be retired in the United States. Under current law, the Department of Defense is not required to bring these dogs home, and service members are often forced to spend their own money to transport the canines to the U.S. for adoption. Despite a military dog adoption waiting list of more than 1,200 people, many service dogs are still retired overseas after their service ends. The U.S. military has used working dogs on battle frontlines since World War II where they have saved countless American lives.

“With the life-saving actions that military working dogs take on the frontlines of battle, it’s easy to understand why American soldiers and these canines form such strong relationships,” said Paulsen. “Ensuring that our troops and veterans can easily adopt these dogs honors their service and their partnership.”

“The bond between service members and their military service dogs doesn’t end once they retire,” said Congresswoman Sinema. “These men and women have sacrificed everything for our country – reuniting with their beloved companions is one small step towards healing the wounds of war.”

Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Oregon Senator Ron Wyden.

Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus.

For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov. 

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