Analyst Brief September 14, 2026

H.R. 9327 — PEARL Act, as amended

Current Status

Suspension Document

Executive Summary

H.R. 9327, the 'Providing Emotional Assistance with Relief and Love Act' (PEARL Act), directs the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to establish a three-year pilot program to adopt dogs from local animal shelters for training as support dogs within CBP's Support Canine Program. The bill addresses the high-stress environment of border security by expanding emotional support resources for CBP personnel while simultaneously rescuing shelter animals. It requires implementation within 60 days of enactment and explicitly prohibits the authorization of new funds, ensuring the program operates within existing budgets.

Bill Data

Primary Sponsor

Mr. Joyce (R-OH)

Bill Number

H.R. 9327

Session

119th

Co-Sponsors

Mr. CorreaMr. FitzpatrickMr. LawlerMr. Kennedy of New YorkMs. MalliotakisMr. Thanedar
View on Congress.gov ↗

Arguments For

  • Bipartisan 'Feel-Good' Win: Combines support for law enforcement well-being with animal welfare, making it highly marketable to constituents across the political spectrum.
  • Fiscally Responsible: Explicitly states no new funds are authorized, neutralizing potential conservative objections regarding government spending.
  • Mental Health Support: Addresses the high-stress, high-attrition environment of border security by expanding emotional support resources for CBP agents.

Likely Supporters

Animal Welfare Organizations (e.g., ASPCA, Humane Society)Border Patrol Unions (e.g., National Border Patrol Council)Mental Health Advocacy Groups

Arguments Against

  • Resource Diversion: Critics might argue that without new funding, CBP will have to divert existing operational funds away from core border security missions to manage the adoption and training program.
  • Implementation Feasibility: Shelter dogs often have unknown behavioral histories, potentially increasing the washout rate and training costs compared to purpose-bred working dogs.

Likely Opponents

Strict Fiscal Hawks (if they doubt the 'no new funds' clause in practice)

📋 Key Provisions

  • Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a pilot program within 60 days of enactment.
  • Mandates that the program adopt dogs from local animal shelters to be trained as support dogs for CBP's Support Canine Program.
  • Sunsets the pilot program three years after its establishment.
  • Prohibits the authorization of any additional funds to carry out the program.
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Claim Analysis Page 2, Line 2

Requires the pilot program to be established within 60 days of enactment.

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"Not later than 60 days after the"

Claim Analysis Page 2, Line 6

Mandates the adoption of dogs from local animal shelters.

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"pilot program to adopt dogs from local"

Claim Analysis Page 2, Line 10

The pilot program terminates after three years.

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"terminate three years after the date"

Claim Analysis Page 2, Line 12

No additional funds are authorized for this section.

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"NO ADDITIONAL FUNDS.—No additional funds"