(Washington, DC) Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) praised the passage of H.Res. 291, a resolution that recognizes the crucial role of assistance dogs in helping wounded veterans live more independent lives and expresses gratitude and support to the Tower of Hope organization for its considerable contributions to this cause. Hastings introduced H.Res.291 on March 26, 2009.  The House passed the resolution this evening by a vote of 351 to 0.  A Senate companion bill, S.Res.115, has been introduced by Senator Joseph Lieberman (ID-CT).  (Please find attached a copy of the resolution).

“We currently have over 170,000 troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Upon returning home, these brave men and women are still in need of assistance to recover from their injuries,” noted Hastings.  “Service dogs empower wounded veterans and enable them to live more comfortable and independent lives.”

H.Res. 291 is a bipartisan resolution that honors wounded veterans and the exemplary services of their assistance dogs. The bill calls for the promotion of assistance animals and encourages public support.  Additionally, this legislation lauds the Tower of Hope for its outstanding work in raising funds for the training of assistance dogs, educating people about their benefits and pairing veterans with dogs.  The legislation also supports the goals and ideals of creating a Tower of Hope Day.

“I am proud to support such an outstanding organization as the Tower of Hope,” said Hastings.  “It is wonderful to see great programs being created to inspire hope and compassion in our nation.  I am confident that my resolution will help promote the benefits of service dogs and the great work that all organizations have done to make these programs possible.”

“It is our government’s moral duty to honor those who made the utmost sacrifice to protect our freedom and security.  We owe these brave men and women the highest respect for their courage.  I will continue my fight in Congress to better the lives of our nation’s veterans.”

For more information about the Tower of Hope, please visit the Tower of Hope’s Web site at (www.thetowerofhope.org).

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings is Vice Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, a senior member of the House Rules Committee, and Co-Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission.

Tower_of_Hope_Resolution.pdf