WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |Franken first bill clears Congress
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Associated Press - October 22, 2009 6:44 PM ET
WASHINGTON (AP) - Sen. Al Franken's first piece of legislation is just a presidential signature away from becoming law.
The Minnesota Democrat's Service Dogs for Veterans Act was a part of the Defense Authorization bill voted on by Congress on Thursday. The House and Senate both approved the measure. It now heads to President Barack Obama's desk.
The legislation, which was co-sponsored in the Senate by Georgia Republican Johnny Isakson, will establish a pilot program and study for organizations that provide disabled veterans with service dogs.
Franken says the legislation is a small but important step in ensuring happy, productive lives for veterans once they leave the battlefield.
The bill's approval comes about three months after Franken was sworn in as Minnesota's second senator.
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