Did Senator John McCain Cut the Military Working Dog Legislation?
There has been a lot of confusion and misinformation about the Canine Members of the Armed Service Act.
The original act, sponsored by Congressmen Walter Jones (R-NC) and Senator Blumenthal (D-CT), addressed three main tenets of Military Working Dog rights:
1. Retirement and Adoption of Military Working Dogs:
Authorizes the Secretary of the appropriate military department to transport retiring military working dogs to the 341st Training Squadron or another suitable location for adoption, if no suitable adoption is available at the military facility where the dog is located.
2. Veterinary Care for Retired Military Working Dogs:
Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish and maintain a system to provide for the veterinary care of retired military working dogs beginning on the date on which the dog is adopted.
3. Recognition of Service of Military Working Dogs:
Directs the Secretary of Defense to create a decoration or other appropriate recognition to recognize military working dogs that are killed in action or perform an exceptionally meritorious or courageous act in service to the United States.
Lucca, a 8-year-old Belgian Malinois military working dog, rests in the shade at Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 2. Lucca deployed twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan where she was injured by an improvised explosive device. The injury led to the amputation of her left front leg and retirement from military service. Cpl. Juan M. Rodriguez, miliary dog handler with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, is scheduled to escort the veteran K-9, July 5, from the base to Finland where she will reside with Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Willingham, Lucca’s original trainer. During a turnover at O-Hare International Airport in Chicago, Ill., Lucca will be honored during a ceremony by American Airlines, which will provide transportation to Rodriguez and Lucca through its partnership with Air Compassion for Veterans. ACV is an organization that provides medically related air transport services to service members, veterans and their families. During her military service, Lucca uncovered more than 40 IEDs and saved countless lives.
The act passed the House of Representatives last spring and the Senate this fall. The Canine Member of the Armed Service Act can be seen in this Senate Bill Text. The next step was supposed to be a simple signature by our President.
So this was a huge victory for our Military Dogs, right?
Somewhere along the way the act was attached to the conglomerate National Defense Authorization Act for 2013. That beast of an act was signed into law by the President right before Christmas 2012.
So Canine Members of the Armed Service and their advocates win, right?
Unfortunately, the whole of the original Senate Bill Text wasn’t included into the National Defense Act and signed into law. For details, you can see for yourself here (go to p. 167) what part of the original Canine Member of the Armed Service Act made it into the National Defense Act for 2013.
The short of it is we got the transportation and medical care for our retired military dogs, but we took a swing and missed with our government’s recognizing our Military Working Dogs as members of the Armed Service.
So what happened? I thought we made it through the House of Representatives and Senate?
According to Ron Aiello, President of the United States War Dog Association, “The Senate did not pass the full resolution. It was decided by the Senate that to get the bill passed they had to take out a portion of it. That portion was the reclassification of the Military Working Dogs from Equipment to Canine Members of the Armed Forces.”
So what happened in the Senate? Why did they “have” to remove a portion?
Cpl. Bret Reynolds and Bernie, a retired military working dog, sit on their bed. Once her handler, now her proud owner, Reynolds is excited to be able to bring her home. Unlike many law enforcement working dogs, military working dogs live in kennels aboard the air station. Bernie’s friendly nature makes getting along with Reynolds’ other dogs a breeze, and Bernie enjoys playing with them, even at 11 years old.
According to Lisa Phillips, CEO of the Retired Military Working Dog Assistance Organization, “Senator McCain, ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, did not want any part of the bill/amendment to go forward at all.”
Lisa was told by a member of Senator Blumenthal’s staff that Senator McCain was the Senior Committee Member on the National Defense Committee and he had ultimate say.
I called Senator McCain’s office but was unable to confirm what Senator Blumenthal’s staff reported. I plan to draft a letter to his office this week. I’ll keep you all posted on the outcome.
I would like to know the truth but honestly doubt that Senator McCain (if this went down the way Senator Blumenthal’s staff reported) would admit this publicly.
This is disappointing. But don’t forget—we have taken a huge step in the advancement of Military Working Dog rights and care.
So we won right?
We sure as heck did!
But there is more to do!
Senator Blumenthal’s staff indicated that Senator McCain heard plenty from WMD organizations and you, the constituents, who contacted his office and other members of the National Defense Committee. They felt the pressure from all of you!
2013 is a new year and the fight for Military Working Dog rights isn’t over. Both Ron and Lisa indicated that the reclassification issue will be re-addressed this year!
The more we talk about it–the more you contact your politicians in support of MWD rights, the more press and attention these four-legged service members receive–the more the pressure on our politicians to recognize their contribution increases.
Your dog at home isn’t just your pet—he or she is a family member!
Military Working Dogs aren’t equipment—they are service members!
So please keep it up! This year is a new fight, and we won’t rest until our four-legged service members are officially recognized by our government!
Click here to subscribe and receive my weekly blog posts directly to your email. You don’t want to miss a thing!
21 comments on “Did Senator John McCain Cut the Military Working Dog Legislation?”
Leave a Reply
Katie says: While I realize that politics move slower than molasses, this is still a little disappointing to me. The verbage says “may”…it NEEDs to say “WILL”. With the economy as bad as it is, I highly doubt that finding funding for retired MWD veterinary care is going to be a huge priority. I know there are tons of organizations out there who would probably set up trusts or what not, so maybe they can marry that up with something formal. Again, it really needs to say “WILL” transport a retired MWD to another location. With MILAIR, this is not a difficult thing to accomplish…it’s the red tape that gets in the way and justification of the “cost” (if a plane is flying from Ramstein to BWI anyway, why is there a cost associated with that to load an MWD carrier?! You could put a handler on PTDY – no cost to the government). But again, MAY and WILL are two very different action words when it comes to legalese. The most disappointing is the reclassification from equipment to Canine SMs. We awarded many a Purple Heart downrange, but the fact that they were unoffical is heart-breaking. MWDs had such an amazing year last year, that it’s a bit of a let-down that they weren’t recognized with this bill. Maybe 2013 will be their year! Thanks for keeping the word going!
-
Kevin Hanrahan says:
I know Katie. It is a clear watering down of the language. From what I understand the vet care will not come from public funding. I would need to do some more research for the specific.
The challenge with the flight is the personnel to transport the dog. But it is by no means a show stopper..especially if times with a PCS of the service member adopting the MWD.
I felt the same way about the act. My biggest disappointment was the lack of MWD recognition. BUT…our foot is in the door. There was progress. Rome wasn’t built in a day!
Thanks for setting the record straight on this, Kevin. It is really concerning! I like Senator McCain and am surprised that he would oppose this bill. I hope these heroic dogs get the treatment they deserve this year. Let me know if there is anything I can do.
Ginger
Bette says: Washington politics drive me crazy. I am new to your blog, but love what you have been doing. Will get behind you 100%. What happened to the dogs who helped our Vets during the Vietnam war was despicable and caused needless mental anguish to our soldiers and inhumane treatment of these canine warriors. My father was a WWII Vet who served for the entire duration of the war and my brother was a Marine who served 2 tours of duty in Vietnam. If you confirm that Senator McCain was the driving force behind the amendment of this bill, I will personally do all I can to change his mind. My husband was also in the Navy and now owns and operates his own veterinary clinic. I am sure there are other Vet/Vet’s like him who would help support the care of these animals. We are big animal advocates and know a lot of others who are as well. Keep me posted on this please. Thanks!
-
Hi Bette! Thanks so much for support. What we did with our K9 in Vietnam was a disgrace. We have evolved…now it is time to continue that evolution.
I know there are a ton of Veterinarians willing to help our retired military dogs. I now there are a ton of people willing to provide financial assistance. That part looks like it will happen. But to not recognize the service of these 4-legged troopers is an insult!
-
I am glad the other areas are covered. I agree Kevin, the K-9′s deserve recognition. Just let me know when you have confirmed that Senator McCain was the primary person responsible for the bill’s amendment to exclude MWD recognition, please.
-
Kevin Hanrahan says: I was shocked when I heard it may have been him Ginger. He is supposed to be a crusaders for veterans….his son is a Marine…..I wonder if his son Jimmy had been saved by a dog in his tour in Iraq.. if his opinion would be different. I bet those service members that have would have something to say about this.
Good works are never done, are they? I’m happy a good portion of the original bill was passed, and now on to the next part.
Christopher J Rankin says: This should have been a no-brainer! But these damn politicians can’t get out of their own way including McCain…
will pass it along with all the other crap this administration is trying to shove down our throats!!!!!
sally lowen says: Hi Kevin, well, as they say, we won a battle but not the war. In the scheme of military spending the amounts required to take care of the dogs is miniscule. Lots cheaper than planes nobody wants. We will just keep on. thank you for all you do. If John McCain made this happen, shame on him. He is not the same man he was 10 years ago. the Maligator agrees with me. PS, she does not like walking in snow.
-
Certainly a mixed bag Liz…..this year is a new year!
Thanks for clarifying! This is progress, and someday MWDs will be considered more than mere “equipment.” Soldiers know that these dogs are their fellow soldiers.
-
No problem! I agree 100%……. progress begins slowly….our foot is in the door!
Great post Kevin, as always. I am contacting my local senators and representatives to get their take on what happened here. If I learn anything of note I will let you know. We need to understand what the problem is so we can get this fixed. Thank you for your service, and also for your advocacy on this important issue.
-
Thanks Kevin. That would be great….appreciate the feedback!
[...] Did you get a change to read the latest update on the Canine Member of the Armed Service Act? If not click here. [...]
[...] course this issue should have been addressed with the Canine Members of the Armed Service Act, but the provision that would have recognized our military working dogs as actual members of the [...]
I am talking on a 10 year old retiring GSD. I am very familiar with the breed (I bred for 10 years)
Looking forward to give some love nad care for a dog that gave so much, the dog is healthy but he is older. I am very interested in the Vet care part of this discussion
-
Hi Patrick. Is your GSD a retired military dog? The adoption program is terrific and those that adopt are so kind to do so……my belief is that, within reason, our over government should provide care for these military heroes.
Leave a Reply
My Tweets
While I realize that politics move slower than molasses, this is still a little disappointing to me. The verbage says “may”…it NEEDs to say “WILL”. With the economy as bad as it is, I highly doubt that finding funding for retired MWD veterinary care is going to be a huge priority. I know there are tons of organizations out there who would probably set up trusts or what not, so maybe they can marry that up with something formal. Again, it really needs to say “WILL” transport a retired MWD to another location. With MILAIR, this is not a difficult thing to accomplish…it’s the red tape that gets in the way and justification of the “cost” (if a plane is flying from Ramstein to BWI anyway, why is there a cost associated with that to load an MWD carrier?! You could put a handler on PTDY – no cost to the government). But again, MAY and WILL are two very different action words when it comes to legalese. The most disappointing is the reclassification from equipment to Canine SMs. We awarded many a Purple Heart downrange, but the fact that they were unoffical is heart-breaking. MWDs had such an amazing year last year, that it’s a bit of a let-down that they weren’t recognized with this bill. Maybe 2013 will be their year! Thanks for keeping the word going!
I know Katie. It is a clear watering down of the language. From what I understand the vet care will not come from public funding. I would need to do some more research for the specific.
The challenge with the flight is the personnel to transport the dog. But it is by no means a show stopper..especially if times with a PCS of the service member adopting the MWD.
I felt the same way about the act. My biggest disappointment was the lack of MWD recognition. BUT…our foot is in the door. There was progress. Rome wasn’t built in a day!
Thanks for setting the record straight on this, Kevin. It is really concerning! I like Senator McCain and am surprised that he would oppose this bill. I hope these heroic dogs get the treatment they deserve this year. Let me know if there is anything I can do.
Ginger
Washington politics drive me crazy. I am new to your blog, but love what you have been doing. Will get behind you 100%. What happened to the dogs who helped our Vets during the Vietnam war was despicable and caused needless mental anguish to our soldiers and inhumane treatment of these canine warriors. My father was a WWII Vet who served for the entire duration of the war and my brother was a Marine who served 2 tours of duty in Vietnam. If you confirm that Senator McCain was the driving force behind the amendment of this bill, I will personally do all I can to change his mind. My husband was also in the Navy and now owns and operates his own veterinary clinic. I am sure there are other Vet/Vet’s like him who would help support the care of these animals. We are big animal advocates and know a lot of others who are as well. Keep me posted on this please. Thanks!
Hi Bette! Thanks so much for support. What we did with our K9 in Vietnam was a disgrace. We have evolved…now it is time to continue that evolution.
I know there are a ton of Veterinarians willing to help our retired military dogs. I now there are a ton of people willing to provide financial assistance. That part looks like it will happen. But to not recognize the service of these 4-legged troopers is an insult!
I am glad the other areas are covered. I agree Kevin, the K-9′s deserve recognition. Just let me know when you have confirmed that Senator McCain was the primary person responsible for the bill’s amendment to exclude MWD recognition, please.
I was shocked when I heard it may have been him Ginger. He is supposed to be a crusaders for veterans….his son is a Marine…..I wonder if his son Jimmy had been saved by a dog in his tour in Iraq.. if his opinion would be different. I bet those service members that have would have something to say about this.
Good works are never done, are they? I’m happy a good portion of the original bill was passed, and now on to the next part.
This should have been a no-brainer! But these damn politicians can’t get out of their own way including McCain…
will pass it along with all the other crap this administration is trying to shove down our throats!!!!!
Hi Kevin, well, as they say, we won a battle but not the war. In the scheme of military spending the amounts required to take care of the dogs is miniscule. Lots cheaper than planes nobody wants. We will just keep on. thank you for all you do. If John McCain made this happen, shame on him. He is not the same man he was 10 years ago. the Maligator agrees with me. PS, she does not like walking in snow.
Wonderful and disappointing at the same time!
Certainly a mixed bag Liz…..this year is a new year!
Thanks for clarifying! This is progress, and someday MWDs will be considered more than mere “equipment.” Soldiers know that these dogs are their fellow soldiers.
No problem! I agree 100%……. progress begins slowly….our foot is in the door!
Great post Kevin, as always. I am contacting my local senators and representatives to get their take on what happened here. If I learn anything of note I will let you know. We need to understand what the problem is so we can get this fixed. Thank you for your service, and also for your advocacy on this important issue.
Thanks Kevin. That would be great….appreciate the feedback!
Pingback: Military Working Dogs Deserve a Snow Day | Kevin Hanrahan
Pingback: Are Military Dogs Equipment
I am talking on a 10 year old retiring GSD. I am very familiar with the breed (I bred for 10 years)
Looking forward to give some love nad care for a dog that gave so much, the dog is healthy but he is older. I am very interested in the Vet care part of this discussion
Hi Patrick. Is your GSD a retired military dog? The adoption program is terrific and those that adopt are so kind to do so……my belief is that, within reason, our over government should provide care for these military heroes.