President
of the United States Signs The Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act Into Law
Bipartisan
legislation will support veterans and first responders with disabilities
through specially trained service dogs
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE, November 26, 2024, (Smithtown, NY and Washington D.C.): America’s
VetDogs is honored
to announce that the President of the United States has signed The Working Dog Commemorative Coin
Act into law.
This landmark legislation, which garnered strong bipartisan support in both the
U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, celebrates the essential role of
working dogs nationwide while offering vital assistance to veterans,
active-duty service members, and first responders with disabilities. Surcharges
from the sale of the commemorative coins will directly benefit America’s
VetDogs, enabling the national nonprofit to expand its mission and provide more
accredited, specially trained service dogs—at no cost—to our nation’s heroes,
helping them Live Without Boundaries®.
“This
milestone highlights the strength of unity and our collective dedication to
honoring the brave men and women who serve our country and communities,”
said John Miller, President & CEO of America’s VetDogs. “The
commemorative coin series will serve as a lasting tribute to the extraordinary
contributions of working dogs, raising awareness of their impact on society
while helping us expand our life-changing services to those who have served and
continue to serve our nation. We are profoundly grateful to the President,
Senate Majority Leader Schumer, as well as the bipartisan Congressional
leaders and co-sponsors, whose unwavering support made this
achievement possible.”
The Act,
originally introduced to the 118th Congress in February 2023 by Rep. Patrick
McHenry (R-NC), chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, and Rep.
Jim McGovern (D-MA), was later introduced in the Senate in March 2023 by
Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Mark Kelly
(D-AZ), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). Recognizing the invaluable
contributions of working dogs to society—spanning detection, military service,
therapy, and assistance roles—the legislation gained strong support from Senators
Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), as well as
the entire Long Island delegation, where America’s VetDogs is
headquartered.
“From the
battlefield to the home front, working dogs provide an invaluable service,” said Rep. McHenry
(R-NC)“Not only do these incredible animals serve alongside our troops
and law enforcement, but they also assist wounded veterans when they return
home. I’m proud to sponsor this bipartisan legislation to honor and support
working dogs’ contributions.”
“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.” – Rep. Jim
McGovern (D-MA)
“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. 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.” – Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC).
“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. 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.” – Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ).
“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.” – Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC).
“Working
dogs provide vital services and companionship to so many people—from service
members 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.” – Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL).
The
commemorative coins, to be issued by the U.S. Mint in 2027, are set to generate
crucial funding for America’s VetDogs’ mission.
To learn
more about America’s VetDogs or the Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act, visit VetDogs.org/Coin.