Livingston County’s Congresswoman joined President Joe Biden at the White House on Wednesday to witness the PAWS Act or Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers for Veterans Therapy Act be signed into law.
8th District Democrat Elissa Slotkin has led the PAWS Act in two consecutive Congresses, which will help connect veterans with service dogs in their communities via a new program administered by the Veterans Affairs Administration. The bill was sponsored by Slotkin and Ohio Republican Steve Stivers, who recently retired from the House.
At a virtual press conference following the signing, Slotkin commented that it was a very difficult climb getting this done because the VA was a bit resistant and likes to have a lot of research and studies. She noted they had ten years of scientific studies and felt it was time to get this done. Slotkin further said it was an important win because it was built as a bi-partisan bill and had overwhelming support.
Slotkin noted that an average of 20 veterans die by suicide every day and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is as a huge contributing factor – adding PTSD impacts between 11% and 30% of veterans who served. She says research conducted has further shown that working with service dogs alleviates the symptoms of PTSD, leading to better interpersonal relationships, lower risk of substance abuse, and overall better mental health.
Slotkin said the bill is personal for her because her husband is a 30-year veteran and her stepdaughter is a current active duty member of the Army but also because there are two organizations in Michigan’s 8th District with this mission.