[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 238 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

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118th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 238

Expressing support for recognizing September 20 as National Service Dog 
                                  Day.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                              June 6, 2023

    Mr. Tester (for himself and Mr. Moran) submitted the following 
 resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, 
                          Labor, and Pensions

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Expressing support for recognizing September 20 as National Service Dog 
                                  Day.

Whereas service dogs assist individuals with a wide range of challenges, 
        including--

    (1) post-traumatic stress disorder;

    (2) traumatic brain injury;

    (3) military sexual trauma;

    (4) epilepsy;

    (5) visual, hearing, and mobility impairments; and

    (6) other disabilities;

Whereas service dogs are able to support veterans struggling after war, hear for 
        individuals who are deaf, see for individuals who are blind, and even 
        sense changes in an individual's body before a seizure;
Whereas service dogs have assisted individuals in the United States since 1929;
Whereas service dogs were legally recognized by the Americans with Disabilities 
        Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) to do work or perform tasks for an 
        individual with a disability and have protections under the Fair Housing 
        Act (42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.) and 41705 of title 49, United States Code 
        (commonly known as the ``Air Carrier Access Act of 1986'');
Whereas evidence-based research has shown that service dogs provide numerous 
        health and fitness benefits, including enhanced mobility and 
        independence and a reduction in the symptoms of depression, anxiety, 
        stress, and suicidal ideation;
Whereas tens of thousands of service dogs are estimated to be working in the 
        United States today, located in all 50 States, Puerto Rico, and Guam; 
        and
Whereas National Service Dog Day is an appropriate tribute to service dogs and 
        the organizations that offer service dogs free of charge to United 
        States veterans and individuals with disabilities: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) supports recognizing September 20 as National Service 
        Dog Day;
            (2) encourages all individuals in the United States to 
        learn about the history of service dogs and the unique, 
        positive impact service dogs have on individuals with 
        disabilities; and
            (3) requests that the President issue a proclamation 
        calling on the people of the United States to conduct 
        appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs to demonstrate 
        support for organizations that train and pair service dogs with 
        disabled individuals in the United States.
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