Watch the full event here: https://youtu.be/grk11Rq28Iw

WASHINGTON, D.C. / DALLAS – Today, Rep. Colin Allred (D-TX-32) joined Texas political, business, and community leaders in a virtual town hall to discuss the importance of American global health, diplomacy, and development programs to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and protect the health and safety of all Americans—in Texas and across the country.

“Now more than ever, the U.S. must lead with our American values, and work with our allies on the global stage to fight this virus,” said Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32). “I’ve been working in Congress to substantially ramp up testing, tracing and treatment and get our North Texas community the resources and economic relief we need. This virus knows no borders, and as a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I am dedicated to ensuring the international response helps us contain this virus and stabilize the global economy.”

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) hosted today’s online event at a time when policy makers are considering our country’s response to the pandemic at home and abroad, including resources for the State Department, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC).

U.S. international engagement is crucial to deal with the pandemic, from a global health perspective as well as an economic one—an especially important matter in Texas, where over 2.9 million jobs in the state are tied to international trade and exports to foreign markets total more than $264 billion a year.

“Since taking office, Congressman Allred has distinguished himself as a champion for strong American global leadership. Even now, he continues to call attention to why we must lead an international response to COVID-19,” said Carey Campbell, USGLC National Outreach Director. “In the midst of this pandemic, North Texans are fortunate to have his voice in Congress, looking out for the health and security of their communities and those across America.”

Many of today’s participants are members of the USGLC’s Texas Advisory Committee, a strong and growing coalition that brings together more than 175 business, faith, non-profit, veteran, and political leaders who understand why American global leadership matters for Texas.