OEF/OIF veteran Jeffrey Adams and his CCI service dog Sharif.

“Service Dogs For Veterans Act” Passes The Senate, But What Does That Mean?

Posted on | July 24, 2009 | No Comments

Just saw the news that the much talked about “Service Dogs for Veterans Act” sponsored by Sen Al Franken was passed in the Senate as part of the larger FY2010 Defense Authorization bill:

“Franken’s Service Dog for Vets Bill Passes Senate”

I’ve posted the two major pieces of proposed Congressional service dog legislation here in the last week for anyone who’s interested in reading them, but, beyond that, I really don’t have any intention of discussing them in any detail.  Given my strong interest in this area, that probably surprises some people, but let me briefly explain why.

Largely it’s because I’m not a big believer in government ’solutions’ to problems to begin with, and, in this specific area, the track record is not so hot, to put it politely.  Plus, between this legislation, things I see on the VA website, recent popular articles I’ve read that aren’t entirely accurate, private discussions that are taking place, and what we used to call “barracks lawyers” out there telling everybody “how it really is”, this has become a very confused subject.

Do I have problems and concerns with both of these bills and things I’d like to say?  You bet.  But there’s no point in me making things any more confused than they already are or possibly messing up something that’s already in progress, so I have been and will continue to be very careful in what I say. If I can’t add anything that’s helpful, doesn’t violate any confidences, and that I’m certain is accurate, it’s better to say nothing.

I don’t think it’s any big news, though, to say we are a long way from the shouting and the celebration here.  There’s a ton of stuff to be sorted out, and we need to keep a watchful eye and remember that “things aren’t always what they seem”.

http://www.albrittain.com/service-dogs/service-dogs-for-veterans-act-passes-the-senate-but-what-does-that-mean/

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