PEARL Act

Enumerated powers · passes

Congress has broad authority to organize and manage the executive branch and its agencies under Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 (the Necessary and Proper Clause), which allows Congress to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the powers vested in the federal government. Establishing a pilot program within CBP is a valid exercise of this power, as it relates to the administration of immigration and border control, which is a federal responsibility.

Bill of Rights · passes

The bill does not implicate any of the first ten amendments. It does not affect speech, religion, assembly, press, petition, arms, quartering, search and seizure, self-incrimination, due process, takings, trial rights, jury rights, cruel and unusual punishment, unenumerated rights, or reserved powers. It merely establishes a pilot program for adopting and training dogs for emotional support within CBP.

Individual liberty · passes

The bill imposes no restrictions on individuals' use of their person, property, speech, labor, or belief. It does not mandate any action by private citizens; it only directs a federal agency to establish a program. Therefore, there is no burden on individual sovereignty.

Decentralization · passes

The program is inherently a federal function—supporting federal law enforcement personnel—so it cannot be handled by individuals, local communities, or states. It does not consolidate decision-making upward beyond the federal level because the federal government already has authority over CBP and its operations. The four-question test is satisfied: (1) individuals cannot handle this because it involves federal employees; (2) local communities cannot handle this because it involves a federal agency; (3) states cannot handle this because it involves federal border enforcement; (4) it does not consolidate upward beyond the necessary level.

Due process and takings · passes

The bill does not affect any person's life, liberty, or property. It does not involve any adjudicative process, does not deprive anyone of property, and does not implicate the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment. There are no due process concerns.