Dear John,

Father’s Day has changed its meaning for me over the years. Growing up, my father wasn’t in my life. I always knew that when I became a dad, I’d do things differently. When my oldest son was born in 2019, I became the first Member of Congress to take paternity leave, so that I could be there for my son and for my wife, and I took leave again when my second child was born.

Rep. Colin Allred with a North Texan and his son.

Being a dad drives so much of my work in Congress. Studies show that when fathers are able to take parental leave – children, mothers and fathers all have better health outcomes. That’s why I’ve been working to expand policies that support fathers like expanding paid family leave to every worker and making child care and health care more affordable. I also recently introduced a resolution to recognize the importance of a father’s engagement on maternal and infant health and urge policy change. 

To all the dads and father-figures, Happy Father’s Day! I will never stop fighting for Texas families. 

Sincerely,

Colin Allred
Member of Congress

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