Mike Michaud: “After 11 years of war, we continue to see the impact of repeated deployments and separations on our service members…”

We see a decline in opioid use. We see a decline in suicide. And I think that is obviously good for the veteran.

And so our bill, the PAWS Act, takes these veterans, particularly the ones that have severe Post-Traumatic Stress, and authorizes a small amount of funding so that the VA can pair them with specially trained service dogs.

So we have a situation in our country where 22 veterans commit suicide everyday.

I greatly appreciate that we are all partners in promoting opportunities for veterans and in protecting their rights.