[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 99 (Tuesday, June 10, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H2578]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING SARAH MILGRIM

  (Mr. Alford of Missouri was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the 
life of Ms. Sarah Milgrim and to strongly condemn the horrific and 
heinous anti-Semitic acts of violence like this one around America.
  Sarah was just 26 years old. She was a daughter, sister, friend, and 
peacemaker. She was born in the Kansas City area, close to Missouri's 
Fourth Congressional District, and attended American University here in 
D.C.
  Sarah committed her life to building bridges across cultures, faiths, 
and borders. She worked in Morocco to bring communities together in 
pursuit of understanding, and she believed deeply in the power of 
people to choose compassion over hate. Just last month, Sarah was 
targeted and murdered because of her Jewish faith.
  This was not just an attack on one person but a brutal and violent 
attack on our shared humanity. It was an act of anti-Semitic violence.
  This horrific hate cannot have a home here in the United States of 
America.
  I had the opportunity to visit Sarah's father, mother, and brother at 
the shiva at their home recently, and I assured them that this body is 
united in ending anti-Semitic hate in America. It cannot continue.
  May we honor her memory not only with our words but with action by 
standing against anti-Semitism in all of its forms, by protecting our 
vulnerable communities, and by embracing the values that Sarah embodied 
each and every day.

                              {time}  1045


           June Veteran of the Month Colonel Keith J. Butler

  Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our June Veteran 
of the Month, a new veteran, Colonel Keith J. Butler.
  Colonel Butler enlisted in the Air Force in 1991 and was selected for 
an Air Force ROTC scholarship in 1997. He earned his commission through 
the University of South Carolina and served in operational, staff, and 
command assignments as an F-16, F-117, and B-2 pilot.
  Colonel Butler has held positions at the squadron, group, wing, major 
command, direct reporting unit, and joint staff levels. He is currently 
the commander of the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, home 
of the B-2 Stealth bomber, since June 2023, and he is retiring in just 
a few weeks.
  He has flown combat missions and held several other positions all 
over the world. He is decorated with many awards and is respected by 
many. I am proud to call Colonel Butler a friend.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank him for his bravery, service, and dedication to 
America. Congratulations on a well-earned retirement, Colonel Butler.


             June Small Business of the Month In Full Bloom

  Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our June Small 
Business of the Month, In Full Bloom.
  In Full Bloom is a flower shop just off the square in Centralia, 
Missouri, in my district. This shop is the result of a leap of faith. 
Owner Gretchen Spires' vision came to life when she started the shop 
where creative design meets small business.
  She has grown this phenomenal floral shop over 16 years. She shared 
her story of prayer and faith with our team. This journey of becoming a 
small business owner is the American Dream, and we are proud of her 
success. We love stopping by to see a full display of prom corsages, 
flower arrangements, and beautiful gifts for loved ones.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank and congratulate her for all she does for the 
Centralia community.


                      The One Big, Beautiful Deal

  Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the big, 
beautiful bill. We have done our part here in the U.S. House. It is 
time for the good folks across the hallway there in the U.S. Senate to 
do theirs.
  The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has a big impact on rural America and 
the Fourth Congressional District of the great State of Missouri.
  Let's talk about the tax provisions. It makes permanent enhanced debt 
tax relief. It makes permanent small business deductions. It extends 
100 percent immediate expensing. It makes permanent double small 
business expensing. It provides immediate expensing for new 
manufacturing and production structures in America, and it will renew 
the opportunity zones to better target rural America.
  This is a win for America. In fact, just today, The White House 
Office of Management and Budget estimates it will reduce our Federal 
deficit by $1.4 trillion. The one big, beautiful deal is a win for the 
American people.

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