Bills · HR 7904
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 7904Armed Forces and National Security
Protecting America’s Working Dogs Act of 2026
INTRO MAR 12· LAST ACTION MAR 12
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it addresses a significant financial challenge faced by many who care for retired working dogs. These dogs, having served our country in various capacities (military, law enforcement, security), often incur substantial medical expenses as they age or due to service-related injuries. Currently, the responsibility for these costs often falls entirely on their owners, who are frequently their former handlers or other dedicated individuals.
If this bill becomes law, it would provide a dedicated funding stream to help cover these costs through reputable non-profits, recognizing the dogs' service and alleviating a significant burden on their caregivers. If it doesn't pass, these individuals will continue to bear the full financial weight of their retired working dogs' medical needs, potentially limiting access to necessary care or creating financial hardship.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes a grant program managed by the Attorney General to provide funds to eligible nonprofit organizations for the medical expenses of qualified working dogs.
Creates a dedicated federal pathway to financially support the health of retired service animals and service dogs.
PROVISION 02
Defines "qualified working dog" to include retired federal military, security, or law enforcement dogs, and service dogs for veterans or retired federal law enforcement officers.
Clearly specifies which dogs and their owners are eligible for assistance through the grant program.
PROVISION 03
Sets eligibility criteria for nonprofit organizations, requiring them to focus on working dog care and allocate at least 70% of spending to direct medical assistance.
Ensures that the grant money goes to legitimate organizations primarily focused on the intended purpose and direct aid.
PROVISION 04
Requires the Attorney General to submit a report to Congress detailing the number of dogs assisted and their average medical expenses.
Provides accountability and transparency regarding the program's effectiveness and financial impact.
PROVISION 05
Specifies that the grant program will run for five fiscal years (an initial year plus four subsequent years) with individual grant amounts not exceeding $575,000.
Establishes a clear timeframe and financial limit for each grant awarded under the program.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
R· Michigan
YRS IN OFFICE
3
BILLS LED
26
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAR 12
Introduced in House
MAR 12
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, and Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 7904
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMar 12, 2026
Last actionMar 12, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 12, 2026
House BillHR 7904Armed Forces and National Security
Protecting America’s Working Dogs Act of 2026
INTRODUCED MAR 12, 2026· LAST ACTION MAR 12, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
4 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
