Lawmakers did add a late provision to the last-minute workings on the 2006 defense authorization bill that would permit adoption of military working dogs—under “unusual or extraordinary circumstances”—before they have reached the end of their military working life. The story behind this legislation made headlines around the country. At the center was USAF TSgt. Jamie Dana, a security forces dog handler who was severely wounded by an improvised explosive device in Iraq. Before passing out, she asked about her dog Rex and was told he had been killed; she learned in the hospital that he had survived. According to Sen. John Warner (R-Va.), Gen. Michael Moseley, USAF Chief of Staff, indicated the service would exercise the waiver, once the legislation is signed by the President, to permit Dana to adopt Rex.
President Donald Trump on July 4 signed into law $150 billion in defense funds as part of the tax-and-spending package known as the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” after congressional Republicans approved the legislation in narrow, drawn-out votes earlier this week.
