Bipartisan Legislation Passed Homeland Security Committee, Heads to House Floor
WASHINGTON — This week, Representatives Lou Correa (D-CA), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), Tony Gonzales (R-TX), and Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) introduced bipartisan legislation that would require Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) to establish a pilot program for the at-home kenneling of narcotic- and explosive-detection canines. The legislation passed out of the House Homeland Security Committee with bipartisan, unanimous support and now heads to the full House of Representatives for consideration.
“Our CBP canines work with our officers on the frontlines safeguarding our homeland. They help us detect narcotics and explosives trying to be smuggled across the border, and play a crucial role in keeping our nation secure,” Correa said. “We owe it to our officers and their canines to ensure they have the proper training and safe environments necessary to continue their service, and help keep our neighborhoods safe. This pilot program, and strengthening the entire CBP canine program, will do just that.”
Specifically, this legislation would establish a pilot program to assess whether a canine home kenneling program would benefit CBP canines and their handlers that work at ports of entry. Currently, CBP CFO is the only agency in all of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that does not allow for the home kenneling of canines – instead, the dogs are housed in contracted kennels, sometimes in unsafe and unsanitary conditions.
“CBP canines play a critical role in protecting our homeland by detecting narcotics and explosives,” said Luttrell. “I’m proud to support this common-sense pilot program that puts the well-being and performance of CBP’s canines and their handlers first. With proper training, oversight, and consistent progress reports to Congress, this program will give us the data needed to make informed decisions that support our frontline personnel and strengthen our national security.”
“Our CBP canine partners play an important role when it comes to our national security missions. Canines help our CBP personnel detect drugs, explosives, and other contraband that pose a risk to public safety. From promoting a stronger bond between the dog and handler to enhancing training capabilities, home kenneling has proven successful among other law enforcement entities. The creation of a pilot program at DHS focused on this initiative is a step in the right direction and will help us strengthen the CBP canine program,” Gonzales said.
You can read the full text of the legislation HERE.
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