119-HR-3965 Journalist Public Summary

Headline Summary

A bipartisan bill would let CBP adopt shelter dogs and train them as support animals for agents and staff; it’s a three‑year pilot that the House passed by voice vote on November 19, 2025. [1]Congress.gov — Text of H.R.3965 (Reported in House) — PEARL Act[2]Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives — House Floor activity log (…

What It Does

The PEARL Act directs the Department of Homeland Security, through CBP, to launch a pilot within 60 days of enactment to adopt dogs from local animal shelters and train them as support dogs for CBP’s existing Support Canine Program; the pilot sunsets three years after it starts. [1]Congress.gov — Text of H.R.3965 (Reported in House) — PEARL Act

CBP’s Support Canine Program began in 2023 to help with grief assistance, trauma mitigation, and morale; the first dog, “Pearl,” debuted in the Laredo Sector. The bill formalizes and expands that effort by sourcing dogs from shelters. [4]U.S. Customs and Border Protection — Border Patrol Launches Support Canine Prog…[5]U.S. Customs and Border Protection — Laredo Sector Border Patrol welcomes their…

Who’s For It

• Sponsor Rep. Tony Gonzales (R‑TX) and co‑lead Rep. Lou Correa (D‑CA) say the program supports CBP personnel mental health while giving shelter dogs a role. [6]U.S. House of Representatives — Rep. Tony Gonzales press release: PEARL Act cle…
• Bipartisan House support: the bill has multiple cosponsors from both parties and advanced from the Homeland Security Committee. [7]Congress.gov — All Information for H.R.3965 — cosponsors, actions
• Background support for the underlying concept: CBP publicly highlights its Support Canine Program to bolster morale and resiliency. [4]U.S. Customs and Border Protection — Border Patrol Launches Support Canine Prog…

Who’s Against It

• No organized opposition was recorded during House consideration; it passed by voice vote under suspension of the rules. [2]Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives — House Floor activity log (…
• Potential concerns some may raise: costs versus other wellness tools; ensuring proper training and animal‑welfare standards; and whether this is a core mission for CBP. (No formal coalition has publicly mounted opposition as of Nov. 20, 2025.)

What’s Next

The bill has passed the House and now moves to the Senate for consideration. House action occurred on November 19, 2025. [2]Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives — House Floor activity log (…