PEARL Act
Latest action (6 Aug 2026): Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.
What this bill does
S. 4079, the PEARL Act, would direct the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), to create a pilot program within 60 days of enactment that adopts dogs from local animal shelters and trains them as support dogs for CBP's existing Support Canine Program. The pilot would run for three years before terminating.
The program directly affects CBP, which would take on responsibility for establishing and administering the pilot, and local animal shelters, which could supply dogs for adoption into it. It may also benefit CBP personnel who would work with or receive support dogs sourced through the program.
The bill was introduced by Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), with co-sponsors including Sen. Cornyn, Sen. Kelly, and Sen. McCormick, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. As of the latest action, the committee has ordered the bill reported favorably with an amendment, meaning it can now proceed to consideration by the full Senate.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Providing Emotional Assistance with Relief and Love Act or the PEARL Act
This bill requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to establish a pilot program to adopt dogs from local animal shelters to be trained as support dogs for CBP’s Support Canine Program. Support dogs are used for grief assistance, trauma mitigation, and morale.
Timeline
6 Aug 2026
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.
Common questions
- What does S. 4079 do?
- S. 4079, the PEARL Act, would direct the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), to create a pilot program within 60 days of enactment that adopts dogs from local animal shelters and trains them as support dogs for CBP's existing Support Canine Program. The pilot would run for three years before terminating. The program directly affects CBP, which would take on responsibility for establishing and administering the pilot, and local animal shelters, which could supply dogs for adoption into it. It may also benefit CBP personnel who would work with or receive support dogs sourced through the program. The bill was introduced by Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), with co-sponsors including Sen. Cornyn, Sen. Kelly, and Sen. McCormick, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. As of the latest action, the committee has ordered the bill reported favorably with an amendment, meaning it can now proceed to consideration by the full Senate.
- Has S. 4079 become law?
- Not yet. As of 6 Aug 2026, S. 4079 is ordered reported.
- Who sponsored S. 4079?
- S. 4079 was sponsored by Sen. Ruben Gallego [D-AZ] (Democrat-AZ), with 5 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 4079?
- Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably. (6 Aug 2026).
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