H.R. 9327: PEARL Act
Sponsor
David Joyce
Republican · OH-14
Give shelter dogs a role supporting CBP personnel
Why it matters
A three-year pilot would create a new adoption route for shelter dogs, with CBP required to launch the program within 60 days of enactment. Selected dogs would be trained to support agency personnel.
Shelter dogs selected by CBP would be adopted and trained for the agency’s Support Canine Program, giving them a new role supporting personnel. The bill does not assign the dogs border patrol, detection, or other enforcement duties.
If enacted, the Department of Homeland Security would have 60 days to establish the program through CBP. The pilot would end three years after its launch unless Congress later extended or replaced it.
The bill leaves most operating details to the agency. It sets no number of dogs, training curriculum, shelter-selection process, placement rules, performance measures, or reporting requirement.
H.R. 9327 creates a time-limited test, not a permanent expansion of CBP’s canine operations. It also provides no dedicated funding for adoption, training, veterinary care, handlers, or other expenses.
Bill Progress
Latest Action · Sep 16, 2026
Passed the House, received in Senate
H.R. 9327 Bill Summary
What H.R. 9327 actually does.
Shelter dogs get a path into support work
CBP would adopt dogs from local animal shelters and have them trained as support dogs for the agency’s existing Support Canine Program.
CBP personnel receive the support
The dogs would support CBP personnel. The bill does not limit participation to agents, officers, or any other job category.
The program launches within 60 days
The Department of Homeland Security, acting through CBP, would have no more than 60 days after enactment to establish the pilot.
The test ends after three years
The pilot would automatically terminate three years after it begins unless Congress later authorizes another program or extension.
Who benefits from H.R. 9327?
Shelter dogs selected by CBP
Dogs chosen from local animal shelters would receive an adoption placement and training for support work. The bill does not set a target for how many dogs would participate.
CBP personnel
Employees across the agency could receive support through trained dogs in CBP’s existing program. H.R. 9327 does not restrict the benefit to particular occupations or locations.
Participating local animal shelters
Shelters could gain an additional placement route for dogs selected by CBP, although the bill does not guarantee placements or establish payments.
Who is affected by H.R. 9327?
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
CBP would have to organize the pilot, select and adopt shelter dogs, arrange their training, and operate the program for three years.
Department of Homeland Security leadership
The department would oversee CBP’s compliance with the 60-day deadline and the program’s three-year limit.
Local animal shelters
Shelters could provide dogs, but H.R. 9327 does not explain how they would be selected, whether participation would be voluntary, or whether expenses would be reimbursed.
CBP budgets and staff
The agency would take on adoption, training, care, and administrative responsibilities without a dedicated funding amount in the bill.
HR9327 Legislative Journey
House: Vote Held
Sep 16, 2026
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5895)
House: Committee Action
Sep 10, 2026
Reported by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 119-812.
House: Vote: 30-0
Jun 24, 2026
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 30 - 0.
House: Committee Action
Jun 18, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
About the Sponsor
David Joyce
Republican, Ohio's 14th congressional district · 13 years in Congress
Committees: Appropriations, Homeland Security
View full profile →
Cosponsors (7)
This bill has 7 cosponsors: 4 Democrats, 3 Republicans, reflecting bipartisan support. Cosponsors represent 5 states: California, Michigan, North Carolina, and 2 more.
Committee Sponsors
Homeland Security Committee
3 of 33 committee members cosponsored
18 Republicans across this committee haven't cosponsored yet. Mobilize their constituents
H.R. 9327 Quick Facts
- Committee
- Homeland Security
- Chamber
- House
- Policy
- Immigration
- Introduced
- Jun 18, 2026
Passed the House, received in Senate
Sep 16, 2026
Official Sources
The official bill page provides the PEARL Act’s text, sponsors, legislative actions, and current status.
GovInfo provides the official reported House text establishing the three-year CBP shelter-dog pilot.
The official House committee report may explain the bill’s purpose, implementation expectations, and legislative consideration.
GovInfo hosts the official committee report accompanying H.R. 9327.
CBP’s official canine-program page describes the agency’s existing use and training of working dogs, which is distinct from the support-dog pilot proposed by the bill.
CBP is the Department of Homeland Security component that would establish and administer the proposed pilot program.
OPM explains federal employee assistance and workplace support resources, providing context for a program intended to support CBP personnel.
Federal guidance on service animals helps distinguish legally defined service animals from the support dogs contemplated by H.R. 9327.
H.R. 9327 Common Questions
What would the PEARL Act do?
H.R. 9327 would require CBP to adopt dogs from local animal shelters and train them for the agency’s Support Canine Program. The proposal would operate as a three-year pilot.
Would PEARL Act dogs be used for border enforcement?
The bill does not assign the dogs patrol, detection, or apprehension duties. It directs CBP to train them as support dogs for agency personnel.
Which shelter dogs could join the CBP program?
H.R. 9327 requires the dogs to come from local animal shelters but sets no breed, age, health, temperament, or prior-training requirements. CBP would need to develop the selection standards.
Which CBP employees could receive support from the dogs?
The bill refers broadly to CBP personnel. It does not restrict the program to Border Patrol agents, officers at ports of entry, or any other job category.
When would the CBP shelter-dog pilot start and end?
If enacted, CBP would have 60 days to establish the pilot. It would automatically end three years after its launch unless Congress later extends or replaces it.
How much funding would the PEARL Act provide?
The bill specifies no funding amount or dedicated source. It also sets no limit on the number of dogs, making the total cost impossible to calculate from the text alone.
Can animal shelters apply to provide dogs to CBP?
Not through a process created by this bill. H.R. 9327 says dogs must come from local shelters but does not establish applications, contracts, selection rules, or shelter payments.
What is the status of H.R. 9327?
H.R. 9327 has passed from the House to the Senate but is not law. The Senate must approve it before it can go to the president.
Based on H.R. 9327 bill text
H.R. 9327 Bill Text
“To establish in U.S. Customs and Border Protection a pilot program to adopt dogs from local animal shelters to be trained as support dogs, and for other purposes.”
Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office
Get notified when H.R. 9327 moves
Committee votes, floor action, cosponsor changes — straight to your inbox.
Bill alerts + Legisletter's monthly briefing. Unsubscribe anytime.
Immigration Bills
9 related bills we're tracking
American Dream and Promise Act of 2025
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H884)
Feb 27, 2025
Protecting Sensitive Locations Act
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Feb 6, 2025
Born in the USA Act of 2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
May 13, 2025
Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act
Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability.
Dec 4, 2025
No Secret Police Act of 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
Jun 27, 2025
NO BAN Act
Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
Feb 4, 2025
Stop Excessive Force in Immigration Act of 2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Nov 7, 2025
REMAIN in Mexico Act of 2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Jan 9, 2025
Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in ICE and CBP Custody Act
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H2018)
Feb 4, 2026
Trending Right Now
Bills gaining momentum across Congress
North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act
Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
Feb 21, 2025
Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Workforce, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
May 8, 2025
Goldie’s Act
Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
Feb 14, 2025
Tracking Immigration in Congress? Monitor bills, track cosponsor momentum, and launch advocacy campaigns — all from one advocacy platform.