Kelly Celebrates Passage of Bill to Support Service Dogs for Veterans & First Responders

Today, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ted Budd (R-NC), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) celebrated the Senate passage of the bipartisan Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act. The bill now goes to the president to be signed into law. 

The bill would instruct the U.S. Mint to develop a commemorative coin series honoring the critical role working dogs play in our society, while providing financial support to help raise and train service dogs for veterans. 

All surcharges from the bill will go to America’s VetDogs to ensure that this organization can continue to provide these lifesaving animals to veterans and first responders with disabilities at no cost to the individual. 

The House version was introduced by Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-NC-10), Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, and Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA-2) and passed in May this year.

“Our veterans face unique challenges re-integrating into civilian life after they’ve left the military and we owe them solutions and support as they transition their lives,” said Kelly, a 25-year Navy combat veteran. “Service dogs provide the companionship and everyday assistance that make a real positive impact towards independence, quality of life, and mental health. As we continue to confront the crisis of rising veteran suicide rates, I’m proud that our bipartisan legislation delivers solutions by expanding access to this critical form of support—and makes it available to America’s heroes at no cost.”  

“Working dogs help our nation’s active-duty service members, veterans, and first-responders recover from injury, enhance their independence, and improve their lives. I commend the Senate and House for passing our bipartisan bill,” said Budd. This commemorative coin will honor the service of working dogs and provide funding to raise more service dogs for America’s heroes. I’m proud to lead this effort to give back to those who serve our country.” 

“Working dogs are vital to the many Americans who rely on them, including our nation’s veterans. I am proud the Senate passed this legislation to honor our amazing working dogs and support America’s VetDogs,” said Tillis. 

“Working dogs provide vital services and companionship to so many people—from servicemembers and Veterans to the disability community and more. I’m proud the Senate passed our bipartisan legislation today, which would recognize our furry friends while helping provide support to organizations that train these service dogs so they’re ready to serve,” said Duckworth.  

“Working dogs are deeply embedded in our daily lives here on Capitol Hill and in those of countless veterans, active-duty military personnel, and law enforcement officers across the nation. I thank the America’s VetDogs team for their work to get this bill passed. Without the leadership of Senator Budd and the bipartisan collaboration from our colleagues across the aisle, this would not have been possible. The Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act is more than just a coin bill, it’s about improving the quality of life of our wounded veterans and first responders and honoring the service dogs who make that possible—something we all can get behind,” said McHenry.

“I’m proud to support the Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act, which honors the working dogs who do so much for our veterans and first responders. These dogs help people regain independence and provide crucial support. With this bill, we’re helping America’s VetDogs increase their capacity to train and place these dogs with those who need them most, free of charge. It’s a way for us to be the wind at their back, supporting our heroes and their loyal companions every step of the way. I’m grateful to everyone who worked together to make this possible,” said McGovern. 

“This legislation reflects what we can achieve together for a common cause. Each coin purchased will empower veterans and first responders to regain their independence, resilience, and quality of life,” said John Miller, CEO of America’s VetDogs. “We are grateful to Senators Budd, Tillis, Kelly, and Duckworth, as well as Leader Schumer and Senator Gillibrand from our home state, for their leadership and bipartisan support.”