HR 4081 United States House · 118th Congress

Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act

This bill reclassifies military working dogs as "canine members of the Armed Forces" instead of equipment under U.S. Code, directly affecting all military working dogs serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and other agencies like the Secret Service. It requires military departments to establish retirement and adoption procedures for these dogs - transferring them to the 341st Training Squadron or approved adoption programs if no facility placement is available - and amends travel policy to include facilitating adoptions. The bill also mandates the creation of a new recognition (like a medal) for dogs killed in action or performing exceptionally courageous acts. These changes aim to improve post-service care and honor the dogs' service, impacting how the military manages and acknowledges their roles.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jun 2023
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced Jun 13, 2023 Last action Jun 13, 2023
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Total actions
2
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Committee
1
Jun 13, 2023
Committee
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
lower
Jun 13, 2023
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
1 primary · 3 co-sponsors

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