The AKC is monitoring a number of issues in Congress of interest to purebred dog owners:

House Concurrent Resolution 160 – This resolution commemorates the AKC’s 125th Anniversary and honors the AKC’s service to dog owners and the general public. The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously approved the measure on December 16, 2009, by a roll call vote of 419-0, with 15 members abstaining. The bill is expected to be considered by the Senate very soon. Check the AKC website or contact the AKC Government Relations Department for the latest information on this resolution.

H.R. 3266 – This bill, sponsored by Rep. Ron Klein of Florida, establishes a 5-year grant program called the “Wounded Warrior K-9 Corps”. The program provides funds to non-profit organizations that will provide therapy dogs to qualifying veterans with disabilities. The bill has been referred to the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

H.R. 3885 – This legislation sponsored by Rep. Henry Brown of South Carolina also seeks to provide therapy dogs to veterans. The bill establishes a 5-year program (based on available funds) for Veterans Administration medical centers to train and provide therapy dogs to veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome or other post-deployment mental health conditions. The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health approved the measure, and the bill now awaits action by the full Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.