Colin Allred

Mr. ALLRED

Mr. ALLRED. Mr. Speaker, I was absent during the time of votes due to illness. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 517, H.R. 10545, American Relief Act 2025.

Mr. ALLRED

Mr. ALLRED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the people of north Texas for trusting me with the sacred responsibility and opportunity to represent them for the last 6 years. It has been an honor of my life to serve the great people of north Texas, who I was born and raised among, and to have done it with so many great colleagues. I was born and raised in Dallas by a single mom who was a public schoolteacher. It wasn't always easy for us, but because of our community, because of my family, because of my teachers, my coaches, and the good folks at the YMCA, I was able to make it. I played Division 1 football at Baylor University. Afterwards, I made the team on the Tennessee Titans and spent 5 years as a linebacker. I eventually went to law school and became a voting rights attorney, and I proudly served the Obama administration at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. For the last 6 years, it has been my greatest honor to represent my hometown of Dallas and all the communities across the 32nd District from Dallas to Richardson to Addison to Mesquite to Garland, communities big and small across the DFW area. The folks in north Texas have always been my inspiration to get things done. I am so proud of all the things we have done together. Working with folks in both parties, we secured the Garland VA Medical Center. It took over a year, but after countless meetings, phone calls, letters, and false starts and stops, we got it done. Together, we created thousands of good-paying jobs in north Texas and are helping to better serve our veterans and get them the care they have earned. This is one of my proudest accomplishments, and I will continue to support local efforts to invest and expand the facility. We passed historic legislation that will help north Texas and the country for years to come: the CHIPS Act, the bipartisan infrastructure law, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the pandemic relief legislation that helped save our economy in a time of deep crisis. We lowered the cost of healthcare and kept the cost of insulin for seniors at $35 a month. We invested in high-tech manufacturing, job training, and clean energy that is helping Texas create thousands upon thousands of jobs. Because of our efforts, more Texans will have access to economic opportunities to enter the middle class and to live their version of the American Dream. During my time in office, I made a point to introduce legislation that was focused on helping people. From voting rights to ensuring veterans can access their benefits to cutting red tape and helping government work for people, I am so proud that together we worked to pass 50 of the bills I cosponsored into law. That doesn't include the dozens of amendments, committee work, or administrative actions that we had a hand in helping to get done. We ran a constituent-first office that was focused on cutting red tape for people and helping them get the services and help they needed from their government. From helping folks with Social Security to assisting veterans to helping our businesses, big and small, keep people employed, I am proud that we closed over 4,300 cases and saved Texans more than $57 million. I am also personally proud to be the first Member of Congress to ever take paternity leave and to hopefully set an example for all new dads who will follow me. Though this is the end of a chapter for me, I am reminded that our democracy is great because it doesn't begin or end with one elected official. It is not about one person. It never has been. We are caretakers. We are guardians of the great American experiment and protectors of this democracy. I know that Congresswoman-elect Julie Johnson will serve the people of the 32nd District with honor. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who have worked with me over the years, people who I know will keep working in a bipartisan way to represent and deliver for their constituents. I remember the legends and icons I have had a chance to serve with, Members like Eddie Bernice Johnson to John Lewis. I also could not have done this without my wife, Aly, and my two boys, Jordan and Cameron, who have helped me every step of the way. I thank my staff, who have been on my team and on my side since the very beginning. I am so proud that we have had one of the lowest turnover rates of any office in Congress. My dedicated staff are public servants who have helped us serve people here in Washington and in Dallas. This was always personal for me, Mr. Speaker. It wasn't just another district; it was the place where I was born and raised, where I went to high school, where my family lives. Mr. Speaker, we served during a time of great uncertainty: a pandemic and an insurrection. There is more uncertainty to come, but I believe in this country. I believe in the people of north Texas. I know that God will continue to bless Texas and our great country.

Mr. ALLRED

Mr. ALLRED. Mr. Speaker, I was absent during the time of the following votes. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 233, H. Res 1215 and YEA on Roll Call No. 234, H.R. 6983.

Mr. ALLRED

Mr. ALLRED. Mr. Speaker, on April 18, 2024, Douglas `'Doug'' D. DeLair, died in Lincoln, Nebraska at the age of 81. He was born on December 12, 1942, in Oakland, California, to the late Raymond DeLair and Evelyn (Crumbliss) DeLair. A distinguished captain in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, Doug served admirably as a helicopter pilot. His disciplined spirit later guided his fulfilling career in bankruptcy law in Lincoln, Nebraska alongside his beloved wife, Sandra DeLair. Beyond his professional achievements, Doug was a devoted bowler and golfer, his sportsmanship and enthusiasm endearing him to many. Doug will be remembered not just for his achievements but for his generous heart, sharp wit, and the unwavering support he provided to his friends and family. He was a pillar in his community, often volunteering his time and legal expertise to those in need. He is survived by his wife Sandra and their children Dianne, Deborah (partner Antonio), John, Robert (wife Christine) and Danielle (husband Joshua). Doug was blessed with eleven grandchildren including Lucy, Everett, Elaina, Ivy, Breanna, Claudia, Lydia, Sharon, Anthony, Lizzy, and Gabe. Doug was also a brother to Steven DeLair (wife Sally), Stanley DeLair (wife Bertha), and John DeLair (wife Gail). Doug was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Evelyn (Crumbliss) DeLair.

Mr. ALLRED

Mr. ALLRED. Mr. Speaker, on April 20, 2024, I was absent during the time of the following vote. Had I been present, I would have voted: NAY on Roll Call No. 143, H.R. 3602, End the Border Catastrophe Act.

Mr. ALLRED

Mr. ALLRED. Madam Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted Nay on Roll Call No. 143.

Mr. ALLRED

Mr. ALLRED. Mr. Speaker, I was absent during the time of votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 60, H.R. 3391, Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 61, H.R. 3838, Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act of 2023.

Mr. ALLRED

Mr. ALLRED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a Texas giant, a trailblazer, a leader, my mentor, and my friend, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. Congresswoman Johnson was unrivaled in her ability to deliver for Dallas and Texas. She always put Texans first and fought every day for her constituents in Dallas. Congresswoman Johnson broke so many barriers. It is not hyperbole to say that I would not be here today serving in Congress if it weren't for Congresswoman Johnson. Everywhere you look, Texans can see the mark that she made on our State in her 50 years of public service, from improving the VA, to investing in transportation, to fighting for Texans' civil rights, and to her work as the chair of the House Science Committee to pass the Chips and Science Act and invest in high-tech manufacturing. Texas lost a giant, and I lost a friend. We all mourn this loss for our Texas community.

Mr. ALLRED

Mr. ALLRED. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to commemorate a historic achievement by the Texas Rangers. The Texas Rangers won the World Series for the first time in franchise history despite many setbacks and injuries along the way. On Friday, November 3, 2023, Arlington, TX hosted a well-deserved Championship Parade. As a Congressman for North Texas and a lifelong Rangers fan, I am excited to celebrate this hard-fought victory with the Rangers and my fellow fans. Achievements such as this don't happen overnight, and they take the support of families, friends, coaches, fans, staff and crew. It really does take a community. And the Metroplex should be proud. As a former professional athlete myself, I know the hard work it takes, day in and day out, to practice and work to win as a team. All while forging ahead in the face of adversity. They have shown that North Texans are champions, and we couldn't be prouder of what they all have accomplished together. Go Rangers.

Mr. ALLRED

Mr. ALLRED. Mr. Speaker, on September 14, 2023, I was absent during the time of votes due to illness. Had I been present, I would have voted: NAY on Roll Call No. 388, H. Res. 681, On Ordering the Previous Question, NAY on Roll Call No. 389, H. Res. 681, On Agreeing to the Resolution, YEA on Roll Call No. 390, H.R. 1435, On Motion to Recommit, and NAY on Roll Call No. 391, H.R. 1435, Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act.

Mr. ALLRED

Mr. ALLRED. Mr. Speaker, on September 2, 2023, Jack Delbert Stewart II, died peacefully at his home in Denton, Texas at the age of 88. He was born on July 6, 1935, in Ennis, Texas, to the late Jack Delbert and Dora Ellen (Johnson) Stewart. He graduated from Ennis High School in 1953 and Abilene Christian College in 1957. During his summer breaks, he and some friends worked for the U.S. Forest Service backing up the Hot Shot teams fighting wildfires out of Coeur D'Alene, Idaho. In 1958, a roommate set Jack up on a blind date with Jean Pogue. They went to the King and I at the State Fair. After a two-year courtship, they were married on January 23, 1960. Jack served for six years in the 49th Armored Division of the Texas National Guard, which was mobilized in April of 1961 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. They spent one year stationed at Fort Polk in Leesville, Louisiana. Jack and Jean returned to Dallas where he worked for Industrial Indemnity Insurance until he was transferred to Beaumont. In 1970, they moved to San Antonio to work with SP Personnel Associates. He was a member of the MacArthur Park Church of Christ where he was active in church leadership, serving as both a Deacon and an Elder. He also served on the founding board of Christian Heritage Schools. In 1992, they moved to Abilene for Jack to be the director of the Career Center at Abilene Christian University. There he helped students prepare for life after college, including helping to counsel them on career next steps as well as resume writing, interviewing skills, choosing the right majors, and setting up job fairs and job interviews. Of all the careers he had, this was his favorite because he loved working with the students and helping to put them on a path to success. He was an active member of Hillcrest Church of Christ and served as an Elder. Jack always had a servant's heart, and he volunteered frequently at the food pantry in Abilene. A committed family man who always wanted everyone to be together, Jack and Jean fulfilled a dream of buying a cabin in Angel Fire, New Mexico where they shared many wonderful memories with their friends and family. He was also a lifelong Dallas Cowboys and San Antonio Spurs fan. He rarely missed a game and loved to talk sports, including the latest on his ACU Wildcats. In April of 2021, Jack and Jean moved to Denton to be closer to family and UT Southwestern. He is survived by his wife Jean of 63 years and their children, Jeff, Jay, and Jill. Jack was blessed with seven grandchildren who knew him as Papa, including Joshua Stewart, Jackson Stewart, Meghan Tapia, Morgan O'Connell, Jamie Barber, Clarke Bartholomew and Grant Dowdy. Papa was also a great-grandfather to Grace and Evelyn O'Connell, Elliot Stewart, and Willow Tapia. He was known as Apple Jack to his nephew Todd and nieces Tracy and Taylor. He was preceded in death by his brother Michael G. Stewart and wife Barbara.

Mr. ALLRED

Mr. ALLRED. Mr. Speaker, on May 6 our North Texas community was left scarred by the shooting at Allen Premium Outlets. Nine people were killed, and 7 others were injured. But today, I recognize the brave story of the service of Gicela Aleman. An unsung hero who that day was shopping for new shoes at the outlet mall with her daughter, Adele. When the gunman opened fire, he severely wounded Preeti Patel, a mother and grandmother who was visiting family in North Texas and like so many others--was just trying to do some shopping. Amidst the chaos and violence, Gicela sprung into action. She grabbed Preeti and tried to slow her bleeding. After seeing that ambulances were struggling to get through security, Gicela drove Preeti herself to get the care she needed. Preeti is alive today because of Gicela. An amazing story that deserves a hero's praise. We thank her for her bravery, selflessness and representing the best of North Texas.

Mr. ALLRED

Mr. ALLRED. Mr. Chair, had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 317.

Mr. ALLRED

Mr. ALLRED. Mr. Speaker, on May 6, our north Texas community was left scarred by the shooting at the Allen Premium Outlets. Nine people were killed, and seven others were injured. Today, I rise to talk about the bravery and service of Gicela Aleman, a nurse and unsung hero, who that day was shopping at the outlet mall with her daughter. After the gunman opened fire, he severely wounded Preeti Patel, a woman who was visiting family in north Texas and, like so many others, was just trying to do some shopping. Amidst the chaos and violence, Gicela sprang into action. Using her training as a nurse, she grabbed Preeti and tried to slow her bleeding. After seeing that ambulances were struggling to get through security, she called the hospital and drove Preeti in her car with her daughter to the hospital in time to save her life. Preeti is alive today because of Gicela, an amazing story that deserves a hero's praise. She and her daughter should not have had to be heroes that day, but they were and are. We thank them for representing the best of north Texas.

Mr. ALLRED

Mr. ALLRED. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, May 24, marks 1 year since the massacre at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, 1 year since 19 children and 2 teachers were murdered, leaving a community forever scarred and parents all across the country holding their little ones closer. I know my heartbreak won't pass new legislation, but like many parents, I am heartbroken. I know my outrage won't bring these kids back, but like many Texans, I am still outraged. I also know that we don't have to live like this. Last year, we finally ended 30 years of inaction by passing gun violence prevention legislation. We can build on that. We can strengthen background checks, pass red flag laws, and raise the purchasing age of an assault-style rifle to 21. All of these policies are overwhelmingly supported by the American people, but we have to work together. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to join us in looking for common ground because I know I am willing to work with anyone to save lives. The people of Uvalde and all Americans deserve no less.

Mr. ALLRED

Mr. ALLRED. Mr. Speaker, I hereby remove myself as a cosponsor to H.R. 915.

Mr. ALLRED

Mr. ALLRED. Mr. Speaker, this week, I had the honor to introduce a resolution designating May 9 as Home Front Heroes Day. This was an idea from Major John ``Lucky'' Luckadoo, a 101-year-old World War II veteran and patriot who lives in Dallas. Home Front Heroes Day would recognize those who sacrificed so much to support our servicemembers and keep our Nation going during the Second World War. I was so honored last year to celebrate Home Front Heroes Day in person with Lucky himself. We can all learn a lot from Major Luckadoo's leadership, and it is something I hope to carry with me throughout my time in Congress. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to know Major Luckadoo, who has worked so hard to make sure that folks who were on the home front get the recognition they deserve. I appreciate the opportunity to play a small role in Lucky's story. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to celebrating Home Front Heroes Day for many years to come.

Mr. ALLRED

Mr. ALLRED. Mr. Speaker, last Saturday started out as a beautiful day, and families with kids just like mine headed to the Allen Premium Outlets. It is a place that every north Texan knows. It is where we go to get good deals and to get a new outfit for school or for work. Now some of those folks are never going to come home. Eight people were murdered, and dozens of lives were changed forever. As a Texan, I want to say their names here so that they will live on in our Congressional Record for as long as our Republic stands. The Cho family: Cho Kyu Song, his wife Kang Shin Young, and their 3- year-old son James--just 3 years old. They are survived by their 6-year-old son, William, who is a child who lost his entire world in one afternoon. Along with the Cho family, we also lost Christian LaCour, a security guard who died saving others and showing incredible bravery. Christian was just 20 years old. We lost Aishwarya Thatikonda who was an engineer and who moved to the U.S. from India just 5 years ago and was full of high hopes. As well we lost Elio Cumana-Rivas who was working hard to send money home to his mother and father in Venezuela. Finally, we lost Daniela and Sofia Mendoza. Daniela was in fourth grade. Sofia was in second grade. Their mother Hilda is in critical condition. A high school classmate of mine emailed me yesterday, Mr. Speaker, to tell me that one of our classmates had a son who attended their elementary school. My district lies just south of the mall in Allen. This is deeply personal for me and for all north Texans. My deepest prayers and condolences go out to these families. I cannot imagine what they are going through. I grieve with my fellow Texans as we endure yet another mass shooting. The wounds from that day will be with our community forever. It impacts all of us. I know because my wife and I have two boys who are 4 and 2. I held my boys so much closer the morning after that shooting. I know how so many parents are feeling right now: the fear that the next time it will be your family in the wrong place at the wrong time. I also don't believe that it has to be this way. I know it doesn't have to be this way. We don't have to live like this. Our public places don't have to become memorials. Our places of worship, our malls, and especially our schools don't have to become the site of the next tragedy. Let me tell you, Mr. Speaker, I am so sick and tired of hearing some politician talk about what we can't do or saying that just raising the topic is dividing us. That is not who we are. There is nothing that we can't do in the United States of America when we put our minds to it. We can keep our families and our children safe. It is also not my Texas. Just yesterday, though, a bipartisan group in a Texas Statehouse committee did vote to raise the age to buy an assault rifle from 18 to 21. That is my Texas where folks can come together across the aisle to get things done consistent with the Second Amendment and without abridging the rights of law-abiding gun owners. There are commonsense things that we can agree on and that the American people overwhelmingly support, like universal background checks, red flag laws to keep the guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals who shouldn't have them and raising the legal age to purchase semi-automatic rifles. We could do those right now in a bipartisan fashion. Let us start there and work together to save lives. While we offer our prayers and as we observed a moment of silence tonight, let us act for the north Texans we lost and the ones who will be forever changed.

Mr. ALLRED

Mr. ALLRED. Mr. Speaker, on January 30, 2023, I was absent during the time of votes due to illness. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 94, H.R. 500, Financial Exploitation Prevention Act.

Mr. ALLRED

Mr. ALLRED. Madam Speaker, with news that Damar Hamlin has finally been released from the hospital, I am honored to join my fellow NFL alumni, Congressman Owens, and my colleagues here today to lead a moment recognizing Damar Hamlin's inspiring story on the floor of the people's House. Football has some downsides, but it also has the power to bring us together, to remind us of what really matters. Damar's perseverance has inspired millions and, once again, highlighted the generosity and fundamental goodness of the American people. Damar, congratulations on your recovery. We are all with you. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Owens).

Mr. ALLRED

Mr. ALLRED. Mr. Speaker, first, I want to say that we received amazing news this morning. Brittney Griner is coming home. This is a huge relief for her, her wife, Cherelle, and her family after months of uncertainty in Russia's sham justice system. I thank President Biden, Secretary Blinken, and all at the State Department who made this happen. Today, in a strong symbol of the stark differences in the freedoms between our two Nations, the U.S. Congress will vote in a bipartisan way to pass the Respect for Marriage Act enshrining marriage equality into Federal law and protecting marriages just like Brittney's. I am proud to vote today to say that love is love no matter who you are or where you live and no matter what any future extreme or out-of- touch Supreme Court may say. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' and standing up for freedom.

Mr. ALLRED

Mr. ALLRED. Madam Speaker, on September 13, 2022, I was participating in a Presidential Delegation to the Republic of Kenya and absent during the time of votes. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 421, S. 4785, a bill to extend by 19 days the authorization for the special assessment for the Domestic Trafficking Victims' Fund; YEA on Roll Call No. 422, H.R. 5315, the Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grant Act; and YEA on Roll Call No. 423, H.R. 1066, the Wildfire Recovery Act.

Mr. ALLRED

Mr. ALLRED. Mr. Speaker, I was participating in a Presidential Delegation to the Republic of Kenya and absent during the time of votes. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 424, H. Res. 1339, on Ordering the Previous Question; YEA on Roll Call No. 425, H. Res. 1339, on Agreeing to the Resolution; YEA on Roll Call No. 426, Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass Certain Bills (H.R. 1468, S. 4205, H.R. 7939, H.R. 7846, H.R. 7735, H.R. 5916, H.R. 8260, and H.R. 5865); YEA on Roll Call No. 427, H.R. 884, the National Aviation Preparedness Plan Act; YEA on Roll Call No. 428, H.R. 5774, the Expediting Disaster Recovery Act; YEA on Roll Call No. 429, S. 2293, the Crew Act; and YEA on Roll Call No. 430, S. 442, the BRIGHT Act. Members Recorded Pursuant to House Resolution 8, 117th Congress Baird (Bucshon) Bass (Correa) Bush (Bowman) Cardenas (Correa) Conway (Valadao) DeSaulnier (Beyer) Dingell (Kuster) Fallon (Nehls) Gaetz (Cawthorn) Higgins (NY) (Pallone) Johnson (TX) (Jeffries) Jones (Beyer) Kirkpatrick (Pallone) Lawrence (Beatty) Lawson (FL) (Evans) Levin (MI) (Correa) McEachin (Beyer) Miller (WV) (Kim (CA)) Moore (WI) (Beyer) Newman (Beyer) Payne (Pallone) Pingree (Kuster) Rice (NY) (Deutch) Schiff (Deutch) Schrader (Correa) Scott (VA) (Beyer) Scott, Austin (Cammack) Stansbury (Pallone) Stevens (Kuster) Tlaib (Bowman) Upton (Katko) Wexton (Beyer)

Mr. ALLRED

Mr. ALLRED. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life of George Thomas Nolan of Garland, Texas. Mr. Nolan passed away on August 12, 2022, and leaves behind a legacy that his family should be proud of. Mr. Nolan was born on December 24, 1940, in Bay Shore, New York. Like myself, he was raised by a single parent. He joined the Army as a young man in the 1950s and served as a helicopter mechanic in Germany. He later went on to be a mechanic and shop steward at several airlines. Later, he suffered a loss no parent should suffer. His daughter, Cari died, at the age of 38. After this tragedy, Mr. Nolan poured himself into community work, registering voters, knocking on doors and working to promote ``fairness and equality.'' He devoted his golden years to strengthening Medicare. I was so honored to meet Mr. Nolan as part of my work to lower prescription drug prices. I even had the pleasure to invite him to join a roundtable with Speaker Pelosi on that subject this year. Mr. Nolan was a great North Texan, a loving family man and a patriot. He leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Bobbye Nolan, and his son, Tim J. Nolan. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law Laurie Stone and grandchildren, Leah, Emma, and Nathan, as well as his first grandchild and daughter of Cari, Abigail Slider.

Mr. ALLRED

Mr. ALLRED. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of Paul Tafalla, a brave and courageous North Texas veteran who passed away on July 2. Paul Tafalla was a son of Dallas. As one of six siblings, he was raised in the historical ``El Pozo'' neighborhood in South Dallas. After moving with his family to East Dallas, Paul attended and graduated from Crozier Tech High School. After graduation, Paul enlisted in the United States Army, where he would serve a 4-year enlistment with two tours to Vietnam. He bravely served in the 1st Cavalry Infantry division aboard the Huey and Chinook gunships, one of the first helicopter divisions to experience combat in Vietnam. When he returned home to the United States, he married the love of his life, Sarah Lucille, in 1973 and had three beautiful children. Paul later worked as a precision optician on defense contracts at Texas Instruments for more than 20 years. Paul was a member of the Freemasons and the Shriners Society, as well as belonging to other organizations such as the American Legion, Disabled Veterans, and VFW. He received several awards for his heroic bravery over his life. He was awarded the Carnegie Medal of Heroism and was honored by numerous city and state organizations, including the State Legislature of Texas, for saving four lives in a head-on car collision. He also served his community by mentoring youth through sports. Paul received two Coach of the Year awards and led teams to multiple division titles and championships. Paul lived a very selfless life and was known to always put others before himself. He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. Paul's courage and kindness will leave a lasting impact on so many in Dallas. I was lucky to know Paul, and I am proud to honor the life and legacy of Paul Tafalla today. His memory lives with his wife, children, and grandchildren. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and the Dallas community today.