Veterans
Our veterans have made incredible sacrifices in serving our country. It is our duty to make sure that when they return home, they have the resources they need to transition back to civilian life.
As a member of the Veterans’ Affairs committee, Congressman Allred is dedicated to ensuring all veterans receive the benefits they have earned through their service. That means strengthening the VA system to reduce wait times and make sure every veteran is getting the individualized care they need. Congressman Allred also strongly supports expanding mental health services so that veterans suffering from PTSD and other service related trauma can access the help they need. Additionally, it is our responsibility to equip our veterans with the tools and resources they need to return to the workforce. Congressman Allred supports measures to increase job training programs and educational opportunities, so veterans can successfully transition to the civilian workforce. The number of homeless veterans is deeply troubling, and we must help local communities provide shelter and transition services to these men and women to get them into safe, stable housing.
Congress must honor its obligations to our veterans. Congressman Allred is proud to work for the brave men and women who have put so much on the line to defend our freedom and protect our nation.
More on Veterans
Richardson, Texas – Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32) today announced he helped secure over $2.3 million in savings for constituents of the 32nd District of Texas since his first day in Congress. Allred also announced that he closed 1,037 cases for constituents to resolve issues with federal agencies.
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32) announced that he is a Common Ground “Champion” and was named among the most bipartisan members of the House. The scorecard is an assessment of the degree to which elected officials and candidates for office embody the spirit and practice of a Common Grounder — someone who seeks points of agreement and solutions on social and political issues through listening and productive conversation.
Allred Votes Again for COVID Relief in Updated Heroes Act, Urges Bipartisan Negotiations to Continue
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32) today voted to pass an updated version of the Heroes Act. This bill provides more aid to small businesses, assistance for airline industry workers and expands unemployment benefits.
Garland, Texas – On Friday, Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32) helped a North Texas veteran receive his Purple Heart medal 50 years after he suffered injuries while serving in Vietnam. U.S. Army Captain Elrie Freeman of Garland reached out to Allred’s office in April this year to request help getting the Purple Heart medal he earned during the Vietnam War, 50 years after trying to get the medal on his own. Allred contacted the Department of Defense on Freeman’s behalf to get him approved and the medal was personally delivered to him.
DALLAS – Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32) today released a video sharing stories from constituents of the 32nd District of Texas who submitted their experiences with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Nearly 2,000 North Texans submitted their concerns on changes to mail service to Allred. You can watch the video here.
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32) today voted for the Delivering for America Act, a bill that would prevent the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from making operational changes impacting the delivery of the mail. The bill would maintain service standards and prohibit USPS from implementing any changes to the operations or level of service it had in place on January 1, 2020. It passed the House with bipartisan support and Allred is a cosponsor.
DALLAS – Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32) today visited the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) Dallas Processing and Distribution Center. Allred visited the facility to see first hand the impact of the Administration’s changes on postal workers and the delivery of mail in North Texas.
Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, introduced the Veterans Claim Transparency Act earlier this month to reinstate the 48-hour review period. During Thursday's House Veterans Affairs Committee subpanel hearing, Allred said the process serves as an "extra check on the accuracy of benefit determinations" and helps "identify technical mistakes and errors that can affect veterans' benefits ... a simple step to make sure veterans get the benefits they're owed." Senate Democrats also introduced a similar measure previously.
But VA officials pushed back.
Senate Democrats introduced legislation in May to reinstate the practice. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, introduced a companion bill in the House this week. Under the legislation, veterans service organizations, as well as attorneys and claims agents, would be permitted to review decisions before they are final.
After Thursday’s discussion, the bill will go to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs for consideration.
Washington, D.C. – Rep. Colin Allred (TX-32) helped introduce bipartisan legislation by Rep. Peter DeFazio (OR-04) to re-authorize a successful Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) work-study program in congressional offices. The bill allows veterans to assist their fellow veterans with accessing the benefits and services they’ve earned. Republican Reps. Greg Walden (OR-02) and Aumua Amata Radewagen (AS-At Large) also helped introduce the bill as original cosponsors.