Bill · H.R. 8179· House(119-HR-8179)
FETCH Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 4/2/2026
- Last activity
- 4/2/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Nancy Mace
- Cosponsors
- - 4 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Federal Enhancement for Tactical Canine Help Act of 2026," also known as the "FETCH Act of 2026," proposes to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. It would allow funds from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program to be used for police dog programs. These funds would cover the acquisition, training, and general care of police dogs. The bill also includes funding for equipment, housing, and care for dogs after they retire from service.
Yes· 3 of 8
Does this put more money into stopping terrorism?+3
Funding for dogs to detect explosives enhances counter-terrorism capabilities.
Does this tighten control of the border?+3
Canine units are frequently used for contraband and explosive detection at borders.
Would people in cities be better off under this?+2
Increased law enforcement capabilities often provide a perceived increase in safety for urban centers.
The opposite· 3 of 4
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?-2
Increased funding for narcotics and contraband detection dogs can lead to more frequent searches.
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?-1
The bill expands the allowable uses of federal grant funds, which may increase government spending.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-1
The bill authorizes additional expenditures from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Enhanced Law Enforcement Capabilities: The bill allows funds for training dogs to detect narcotics, contraband, and explosives under Section 2 (J)(ii), which may assist in public safety.
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Improved Animal Welfare: Section 2 (J) provides for veterinary care, emergency services, medications, dietary supplements, and quality dog food, ensuring police dogs remain healthy.
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Support for Officers: Section 2 (J)(viii) provides for home-care stipends for law enforcement officers who care for police dogs at their homes.
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Post-Service Care: Section 2 (J)(x) ensures that retired dogs receive coverage for service-related injuries and chronic conditions, as well as provisions for formal adoption by handling officers.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts for individuals or groups are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+2Good For Urban Residents+2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Increases Counter Terrorism Funding+3Increases Domestic Surveillance+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility-1Reduces Government Spending-1Reduces National Debt-1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+3
- Healthcare
- Improves Opioid Crisis Response+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Increase States Rights+2Increases Federal Power+1Improves Privacy Rights-2
- 4/2/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Mike EzellRepublican · Mississippi
Nicole MalliotakisRepublican · New York
Richard McCormickRepublican · Georgia
Jefferson Van DrewRepublican · New Jersey