ICYMI: Following Trip to Afghanistan, Allred and Members of Veterans Committee Seek Solution for Veteran Contractors Serving Abroad

Press Release

Last week, Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32) along with House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Chairman Mark Takano released a letter sent to the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of the Department of State, and the Secretary of the Department of Defense describing concerns from veterans serving as contractors with the State Department in Afghanistan.

During the Congressional delegation to Afghanistan over the Thanksgiving break, Allred heard concerns from veterans who chose to continue serving our country after their military service by working as contractors employed by the Department of State. Because they are abroad, these veterans are unable to attend VA disability exams within the United States and are often unable to access benefits.

"As a country, we made a promise to honor our veterans' sacrifices by ensuring they have access to benefits and care following their service," said Allred. "I was honored to be able to travel abroad to visit our servicemembers and veterans serving overseas and hear their stories. I hope we can work together to eliminate this barrier to receiving their benefits. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House Veterans' Affairs Committee to fulfill our promise and ensure veterans can easily access the benefits they have earned."

The letter was also signed by Reps. Conor Lamb (PA-17), Lauren Underwood (IL-14) and Haley Stevens (MI-11).