March 12, 2026
Mr. Gallego (for himself, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Kelly, and Mr. McCormick) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
To establish in U.S. Customs and Border Protection a pilot program to adopt dogs from local animal shelters to be trained as support dogs, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Providing Emotional Assistance with Relief and Love Act
or the PEARL Act
.
Sec. 2. CBP support dog pilot program
(a) In general
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), shall establish in CBP a pilot program to adopt dogs from local animal shelters to be trained as support dogs for CBP’s Support Canine Program.
(b) Duration
The pilot program under subsection (a) shall terminate three years after the date of its establishment.