[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 98 (Tuesday, June 6, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S1985]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 238--EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER 20 
                      AS NATIONAL SERVICE DOG DAY

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

                              S. Res. 238

       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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