S.Amdt. 1418

1. Adds SEC. 1088. SENSE OF SENATE ON EQUINE-ASSISTED THERAPY FOR WOUNDED WARRIORS AND VETERANS at the end of subtitle H of title X

   Adds a section

   In S. 1867 · Placed on Calendar Senate

   Section 382 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking "biological or chemical" each place it appears in subsections (a) and (b).

   Inserted: SEC. 1088. SENSE OF SENATE ON EQUINE-ASSISTED THERAPY FOR WOUNDED WARRIORS AND VETERANS.

   Inserted: (a) Findings.--The Senate makes the following findings:

   Inserted: (1) The bonds that exist between humans and animals can be a beneficial foundation for recovery from wounds, illness, and injury.

   Inserted: (2) Equine-assisted therapy may contribute beneficially to the rehabilitation of wounded warriors and veterans through physical stimulation and strengthening, improved cognitive focus, mental awareness, fitness, and self-esteem.

   Inserted: (3) In 2005, the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas, conducted a pilot program on equine-assisted therapy for wounded warriors at the Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas.

   Inserted: (4) The Caisson Platoon Equine-Assisted Therapy Program at Fort Myer, Virginia, which is inspired and sustained by former members of the Armed Forces and volunteers, has been providing equine-assisted therapy for wounded warriors undergoing rehabilitation and treatment at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and veterans since 2006, with the support of horses and members of the Armed Forces serving in the 1st Battalion, 3rd United States Infantry Regiment, known as the "Old Guard".

   Inserted: (5) The Department of Veterans Affairs has recognized the importance and benefits of equine-assisted therapy since 2007, and currently more than 30 Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers across the country participate in programs providing such therapy.

   Inserted: (6) In Texas alone there are currently six collaborative programs of equine-assisted therapy involving the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs: Rock Program in Georgetown, Texas, Horseshoes of Hope in Bonham, Texas, Panther Creek Inspiration Ranch in Spring, Texas, SIRE Therapeutic Riding Centers in Houston, Texas, Spirithorse Therapeutic Riding Center in Corinth, Texas, and Stajduhar Stables in Colleyville, Texas.

   Inserted: (b) Sense of Senate.--It is the sense of the Senate--

   Inserted: (1) to express gratitude for the work of all the members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and volunteers who devote time and effort under equine-assisted therapy programs to assist wounded warriors and veterans in recovering from injuries incurred in service to their country;

   Inserted: (2) to urge the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan for increasing access to equine-assisted therapy for wounded warriors and veterans outside the National Capital Region for whom such therapy could be beneficial in order to assist such wounded warriors and veterans in physical, mental, emotional and cognitive healing, including through collaboration between and among organizations of the Department of Defense for health, quality of life, and wounded warrior support, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and non-governmental organizations that have evaluated the effects of equine-assisted therapies in improving health and quality of life of wounded warriors and veterans; and

   Inserted: (3) to urge the Secretary to evaluate opportunities for research by public and private sector organizations on the benefits of equine-assisted therapy for wounded warriors and veterans.

   Original wording

   At the end of subtitle H of title X, add the following:

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As printed