Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement today after the House of Representatives passed his legislation, H.R. 4577, the Domestic Explosives Detection Canine Capacity Building Act of 2017.

            “I have long advocated for the use of canines in transportation security.  These canines are more efficient than any machine and more cost-effective.

            “With the rise of ISIS-inspired attacks around the world on soft targets, these canines are stretched to their limits.  It is past time for DHS to work with American breeders as well as the private sector to increase the volume of these animals that are available.

            “The passage of my legislation in the House today marks another step forward in protecting Americans.”

             This legislation creates a working group on the standards for the breeding and training of explosive canines.  It will consist of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Office of Science and Technology (S&T), private sector industry, leading veterinarians and academics with first-hand knowledge, the group’s final report on standards should reflect the latest in canine science and will be presented to the TSA Administrator for further breeding development as well as future canine procurement.

           Currently, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secures most of its canines from vendors in Europe with just a few hundred coming from the U.S.  This is due, in part, to private sector American canine breeders and vendors not having the resources to navigate DHS’ arcane procurement rules.  It is common-sense to create these high standards to produce world-class detection canines here at home.

          Congressman Rogers serves as a senior member of the House Homeland Security Committee.

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