Mark Alford

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Fourth Congressional District of Missouri's August Small Business of the Month, Cackle Hatchery, a longtime family-owned source of prime poultry. Located in Lebanon, Missouri, Cackle Hatchery remains one of the last few hobby hatcheries in the United States. It preserves the genetics of over 200 varieties of poultry and distributes hundreds of thousands of chicks to families and farms each and every year in the United States. As a family-owned and family-operated business since 1936, it is one of the few businesses in Lebanon that still has had the same owner, same location, and same business during that length of time. While most hatcheries closed their doors in the mid-1960s, Cackle Hatchery continued to provide chicks through local feed stores and mail delivery. The moniker of hobby hatchery is a representation of Cackle's customer base, not the scale of their current business itself. I congratulate Cackle Hatchery for exceptionally producing poultry year after year. Keep up the great work. Recognizing Harold King

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor our August Veteran of the Month, Mr. Harold King. Mr. King attended Leigh High School in Nebraska, Utah State University, U.S. Armor School, JFK Special Warfare Center and School, and Command and General Staff College. Mr. King joined the Army as a military policeman in 1984 and held many jobs throughout his career. Among those are armor crewman, armor officer, company commander, operations officer, and information operations officer. In 1990, he served in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm with 4-37 Armor 1st Division as a legacy. His grandfather was in World War II. He left Active Duty in 1994, becoming a psychological operations officer with the 10th PSYOP Battalion in St. Louis, Missouri. Then, in 2007, Mr. Speaker, he deployed again to Iraq until 2008. After that, King remained committed to serving his fellow veterans. He worked as a veteran service officer with the Missouri Veterans Commission for over 10 years and recently took on an additional duty of appeals specialist. Right now, he serves as military services coordinator for the Department of Veterans Affairs at Fort Leonard Wood. There, he provides veterans and servicemembers with the information they need to fully understand the comprehensive assistance and benefits available to them. He is a devoted father, devoted husband, grandfather to one, and papa to a crew of dogs, cats, and fish. I congratulate our August Veteran of the Month, Major King, and I thank him for his service. Major King makes Missouri's Fourth Congressional District and America proud. Mr. Speaker, I wish my colleagues on both sides of the aisle a safe and productive time working in their district, reconnecting with their families, and making memories. God bless this body, and God bless the United States of America

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate our top 10 speechwriters for this year's Missouri's Fourth Congressional District Speech Competition. They were chosen to write speeches on what America means to them, and today, we are saluting Elizabeth Claxton of Holden High School in Johnson County, Missouri. Elizabeth says: ``To me, America is more than just the land I grew up in. America is the persons who surround me and the companionships I share with them. America is small towns and big cities full of people and their lives and the bonds they form with each other. Fellowships of all kinds fill America and make up our Nation. We are all of different backgrounds, who have different futures but are deeply intertwined as members of our beautiful and intricate county. America is all of these people and cultures woven together to create our society. America isn't just a land or national entity but one diverse yet blended people.'' Mr. Speaker, we salute Elizabeth and thank her for her great work.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate our top 10 speech writers for this year's Missouri's Fourth Congressional Speech Competition. They were chosen to write speeches on what America means to them. Today we are recognizing Cody Smith from Sturgeon High School in Boone County, Missouri. America represents many different things to different people, depending on their backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. For me, it embodies a variety of values such as equality, opportunity, and above all, freedom. America is a land of opportunity where simple hard work and determination can lead to success. America represents a melting pot of cultures, where anyone and everyone can come together and thrive in harmony. It is a beacon of hope and possibility where individuals can forge their own paths and make meaningful contributions to their country. There is no other country in the world that I would rather call home than America. I couldn't agree more with Cody.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I was born in Texas but proudly represent Missouri. I thank my friend from Minnesota for allowing me to speak. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support this important appropriations bills package before us. As China continues to build up its military and reportedly has more ICBM launchers than we do, H.R. 8997, the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, will invest in America's nuclear deterrence to ensure that we can keep pace with the threat from Communist China. This legislation will also strengthen our Nation's energy security by rejecting the Biden-Harris administration's damaging pause on new LNG exports and supporting energy production right here at home. A key issue for our district, Mr. Speaker, this bill pushes back against the ridiculous Biden-Harris waters of the United States rule. It will mandate transparency. It will help ensure the progressive Democrats in the White House comply with the Supreme Court's decision of Sackett v. EPA. H.R. 8998, the Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, will rein in the administration's job-killing climate and environmental regulations, the green new scam, and it will slash the EPA's funding by 20 percent. The EPA needs to be operating on real science, not a flawed political ideology. As the Biden-Harris administration continues to shove its EV pipe dream down the throats of America, this bill will promote critical mineral production right here at home and help ensure China does not continue to dominate the global market. Mr. Speaker, these bills are vital for maintaining America's national security, protecting our agriculture producers, and keeping pace with the growing threat from Communist China. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill and support these rules.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart today that I rise to honor the life and service of Boone County Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Matthew Tobben, who lost his life in the line of duty this week during a high-water rescue. Prior to joining the Boone County team this year, Matt spent 19 years with the Union Fire Department and was part of Missouri Task Force One for 12 years. Today, we honor and remember Matt, especially his selfless dedication to others and his courage to always answer the call. He never turned down an opportunity to make a rescue or help his community. Our sincere condolences are with his family, friends, and loved ones. The Fourth District of Missouri will forever be grateful to Matt for his service and heroism.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for bringing this resolution. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that we are here today. Look, no one wanted to take it to this step. This has been forced upon us by the Attorney General of the United States of America. He has thumbed his nose at this very institution. Mr. Speaker, if you look in the drawer right below you there, because I was up there 2 days ago, and you pull out the drawer, there is a book this thick, the ``Jefferson's Manual.'' On page 142 through 147, you will find delineated and described caseloads of inherent contempt, upheld by the Supreme Court of the United States. Now, I will grant you this: This tool in the toolbox of the U.S. House of Representatives has not been used in some time, but that does not mean it is ineffective and should not be used. This body is precious. We need to protect this body, and when another branch of this government thumbs its nose at this body, we have to act to protect the reputation and prestige of this body, or we will lose it. The Attorney General is not above the law. Merrick Garland, as a Federal judge, if someone had ignored his subpoena, he would have them in jail, locked up that night. Our option under ``Jefferson's Manual'' is to do that very thing: to have the Sergeant at Arms go and arrest the Attorney General. We are choosing not to do this but instead issue a $10,000 fine until he turns over those tapes. At this point, this is not about what is on these tapes. This is about the principle of the United States House of Representatives protecting its reputation and bringing to justice, bringing to light the information on that tape and securing the liberties of the United States of America. If we do not do this, our Republic will be lost. This is so important to our body and the future of what we must do here.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life and service of Judge Jerry Rellihan, who passed away last month from a heart attack. Jerry's career in law began as a prosecutor in Kansas City, Missouri. He later founded The Law Firm of Jerry Rellihan, P.C., serving the Kansas City metro area for many years. In 2015, he was elected as associate circuit judge for St. Clair County, based in Osceola, Missouri, in the Fourth Congressional District, where he served with fairness, compassion, and integrity. Judge Rellihan's contributions to our community extended far beyond the courtroom, though. He was a mentor, leader, and friend to many. His wisdom and kindness touched the lives of countless individuals, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all. Today, we remember Judge Rellihan not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his humanity and the positive impact he had on everyone he met. Our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who mourn this great loss. Celebrating Carla and Ben Ford's 60th Anniversary

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 60 years of marriage between Carla and Ben Ford. Carla and Ben are Missouri District Four constituents living in Johnson County who met on a blind date at the stockyards. They are not only strong in their marriage but also in the family they have created and in upholding their American values. Their 60 years together have brought many things to be thankful for, the most important being their two children, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. What started out as a blind date turned into six decades of love and the beginnings of future family lines. They say that trust, communication, and laughter have kept them together all these years. I congratulate this Missouri District Four couple on the lovely marriage they have had and built. We wish Ben and Carla many, many more happy years. Congratulating Megan Walker and Aly Prentzler

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, we have started a contest much like the art contest where you can see the art displayed in the gallery just down the hallway here, but we started a speech contest. We wanted to rebuild patriotism in America, and we are starting with school-age children in the Fourth Congressional District. The topic: What does America mean to you? We have two more winners today, Mr. Speaker, of this contest. I begin with Megan Walker from Buffalo High School, Buffalo, Missouri, Dallas County. She says: ``America to me is a place where I can choose who I want to be and am given the opportunities and resources to do it. America is my home, where I can feel safe expressing who I am no matter what I believe. I am given every chance possible to achieve my goals and build relationships with people that I choose. Americans are encouraged to be creative individuals by our country's leaders. I am able to feel safe and protected by my country and the people in it. We are allowed freedoms that many others are not, and I will forever be grateful for America.'' Our next speech contest winner is Aly Prentzler from Glasgow High School in Glasgow, Missouri, Howard County. ``America to me means freedom, freedom that has been fought for by brave men and women who serve in the military. It means even more to me since I have family members who have been part of the military. My papa served in the Army to make sure I have the right to make my own choices. My oldest brother is currently serving to make sure I continue to have this right. I am proud of this freedom and those who have fought for this right.'' Mr. Speaker, I thank these students for being a shining example and a light in the classroom, sharing what America means to them.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Burgess for leading this rule debate. Madam Speaker, as I travel the Fourth Congressional District of the great State of Missouri, I get one question repeated often, over and over: What are we going to do to secure our elections? We can pass a lot of laws in Congress, but if we don't secure our elections, we don't have a democracy. We don't have a Republic. Voters in the Fourth Congressional District of the great State of Missouri want to make sure that only those who should be voting are voting--one vote, one person, one citizen of the United States of America. Madam Speaker, that is why I rise today in support of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or SAVE Act, H.R. 8281. For years, progressive Democrats have falsely claimed that 2016 was stolen because of foreign election interference. Yet, today, they are ignoring the real threat of foreign interference: noncitizens registering and voting in U.S. elections. The SAVE Act will address this threat head-on by requiring proof of citizenship in order to register to vote. It is pretty simple. It allows State officials to accept a wide variety of documents that will actually make it easier for citizens to register to vote. The bill also ensures that States can access the databases they need to clean up our voter registration rolls and remove noncitizens. It is very simple, Madam Speaker. If you are not a citizen of the United States of America, you should not be voting in elections in the United States of America, but just like our progressive Democrat friends have defended on this very House floor Marxism, socialism, and open borders, they are opposing this very measure at this time in our Nation's history. The dirty little secret is that progressive Democrats want to turn the some 12 million illegal aliens that have come into our precious sovereign Nation--because of this failed administration and their lack of ability to stop the illegal immigrants--they want to turn them into voters to secure more power, to make them dependent upon the U.S. Government. Madam Speaker, we cannot let that happen. We will not let that happen. It is time to secure our border. It is time to secure our elections. That is why I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the rule for the SAVE Act and the act itself. The time is now. We may not have time again.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to honor our June Veteran of the Month for the Fourth Congressional District of the great State of Missouri, Ben Trout, a Vietnam war veteran. Mr. Trout enlisted in the Marines and was a sergeant in the Fifth Marine Division in eastern Asia during the Vietnam war. He was also selected for the Naval Enlisted Scientific Educational Program leading to a Marine Corps regular officer commission. Mr. Trout completed the electrical engineering program through ROTC at the University of Missouri before being commissioned to a second lieutenant and later designated an infantry officer. During his first assignment, First Marine Division, First Regiment, he fought in the northern sector of south Vietnam. He received multiple wounds and upon release from the hospital, Lieutenant Trout limited his duty to stateside and later retired. Upon retiring, he moved to Columbia, Missouri, and added a new civil engineering degree, in addition to his previous electrical engineering degree. He now owns and operates an engineering design company that he founded. They design, manufacture, program, install, and service computerized temperature controls. He has been in business for 44 years and is still the sole stockholder, lead director, and president of the company. Madam Speaker, I thank Lieutenant Trout for all he does.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Fourth District of Missouri's Small Business of the Month for June, Noble Concrete and Precast, a female-owned concrete business that sells top- of-the line products, built by experienced farmers who are committed to providing the best experience to all customers. Located in Lamar, Missouri, Noble Concrete and Precast is a local go- to source for high-quality concrete cattle feeders, raised beds, stock tanks, retaining walls, and much more. As a family-owned and operated business since 1990, their affiliations speak to the amazing things they are accomplishing. They are affiliated with the Cattlemen's Association, FFA, 4H, Girl Scouts, Contractors Association of the Ozarks, and so many more amazing national and local affiliates. Madam Speaker, I congratulate Noble Precast on the well-deserved recognition of Small Business of the Month. Keep up the much- appreciated work.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to emphasize the importance of the appropriations bills before us. H.R. 8774, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2025, funds a 19.5 percent pay raise for our troops. I was honored to be on the Quality of Life Panel under the direction of General Don Bacon. Look, our troops need this raise. It is long overdue. It ensures combat readiness. It modernizes our military to face future challenges. Critically, for my district, which is home to Whiteman Air Force Base, this legislation ensures that we fully fund the B-2 mission, keeping it lethal and ready against China, and the B-21 program that is now being built out in Palmdale, California. It will also support the much-needed modernization of our nuclear triad, Mr. Speaker. H.R. 8752, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2025, is crucial and critical for securing our southern border, enhancing national security, and countering threats from Communist China. It provides substantial funding for Border Patrol agents, border security technology, and physical barriers, all while rejecting wasteful spending and unnecessary programs. Mr. Speaker, there seems to be some confusion on the other side about the Republicans' desire to secure the border. Let me be clear, Mr. Speaker, we made our voices known, the voices of our constituents, that we want a secure border. That is why, more than a year ago, we passed H.R. 2, the Secure Border Act of 2023. It has been sitting across the hallway here on Chuck Schumer's desk since May of last year. They have done nothing with it. It would restore remain in Mexico. It would end the catch and release program. It would finish the wall. It would keep out the rapists, the killers, the drug dealers, and the people who are terrorizing our very citizens all because of this administration throwing the doors wide open and welcoming people who do not belong in our Nation. I am tired of the gaslighting, Mr. Speaker. I am tired of the lies to the American people, the deception, the obfuscation. Secure the border now. These bills are vital for maintaining America's security and advancing our strategic interests. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support these appropriations bills.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Chair, I thank Chair Rogers for the opportunity to speak. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of this National Defense Authorization Act, H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act. This year, under the leadership of Chairman Rogers, we have focused on three major components: enhancing U.S. deterrence, countering China's aggression, and improving the quality of life for our servicemembers. I think if I had to concentrate on one, it is that quality-of-life issue. I have been fortunate enough to be on the Quality of Life Panel, led by General Don Bacon. We are boosting compensation, improving housing, ensuring access to medical care, enhancing support for military spouses, and increasing access to childcare. Mr. Chair, we have a recruitment and retention problem in the military, and we are working to make things better to give our servicemembers and their families the respect they deserve and to try to increase our retention and recruitment. China's aggression is the greatest national security threat to America today. To deter China and other adversaries, we are investing in key platforms like the B-21 stealth Raider, which will eventually be housed at Whiteman Air Force Base. I encourage all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' for the NDAA.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, the Congressional Art Competition began back in 1982, and since then more than 650,000 students have entered. As we speak, the winning art from 435 districts is being displayed in the tunnel here that connects our office buildings. Our office wanted to do something different, Mr. Speaker, something that would instill patriotism back in America, especially for our young people, so our Fourth Congressional District of Missouri is starting the congressional speech competition. I hope it catches on with other Members here. These are students from all over our district that have entered this contest. We had a big turnout for this. The assignment was: ``What America Means to Me.'' This week, I will be reading the top 10 speeches from these individuals. Speech by Maddie Arnett

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, this is from Maddie Arnett, 10th grade, Climax Springs High School in Camden County. `` `America the Beautiful' is a Nation that deeply values the principles of freedom and equality. These values were earned through tireless efforts of its people, making it a place where individuals can pursue their dreams and aspirations, working towards building a better life for themselves and their families. The iconic `Star-Spangled Banner' asks, `O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?' ``The question is a powerful reminder of the country's ongoing commitment to these values. ``While the interpretations of what America means vary, one thing is certain: It continues to inspire hope and optimism for a bright future.'' Speech by Brooklyn Garrison

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, next up in our speech contest is Brooklyn Garrison, 10th grade, Concordia High School in Lafayette County. ``America, to me, embodies the promise of opportunity and the pursuit of dreams. It's a land where diversity thrives, where people from all walks of life come together to build a better future. ``It's a beacon of freedom, where individuals have the right to speak their minds, worship as they please, and chase their ambitions without fear of persecution. America symbolizes resilience, overcoming challenges, and striving for progress. ``It's a place where innovation flourishes, where the impossible becomes possible, and where the spirit of entrepreneurship thrives. ``America is not just a country; it's an idea, a belief in liberty, equality, and the endless possibilities of tomorrow.'' Speech by Jaxson Deckard

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, our next winner in our speech contest is Jaxson Deckard, 11th grade, Warsaw High School in Benton County. ``Early on, I had an interest in serving my country to preserve our freedoms. I was raised in a patriotic, God-loving home, with family members serving before me. ``To me, America is a land of freedom. Citizens have the freedom to make their own decisions and opinions. This gives citizens pride and patriotism unlike any other country, pride and patriotism that gives citizens the drive to follow their dreams. ``My dream is to attend a military service academy to become a fighter pilot for our great Nation. ``Whatever your dreams are, I encourage you to chase them. In America, there are no limits to how far you can go.'' Speech by Jack Schroeder

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, our last finalist winner for today is Jack Schroeder, 12th grade, Smithton High School in Pettis County. ``To me, the United States of America is a beacon, a beacon that shines its light across the world, showing the world what life can be like: a life where everyone can have the same opportunities. ``Parts of the world have been blocked off from the light, whether from their actions or ours, but regardless of what blocks the light, we simply shine brighter. ``We've shown our capabilities of bringing our message and ideals to some of the darkest corners of the world, whether they be domestic or abroad. ``Regardless of what we must sacrifice, we've always held our ideals close to our hearts and fought for the repressed and oppressed people to have the same rights and liberties that we do. ``To me, America is a beacon of liberation.'' Mr. Speaker, it is great to be able to get up here and speak the words of our young people. Patriotism is still alive in America. Later this week, Mr. Speaker, we will have the six remaining finalists for our speech contest. It is something I hope the rest of Congress picks up and runs with.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to thank Chairman Williams and Majority Leader Scalise for helping get H.R. 8014, the Transparency and Predictability in Small Business Opportunities Act, to this very House floor. I am honored to serve on the Small Business Committee, especially having been a small business owner myself. The committee exists in Congress to champion Main Street and to make sure that the small businesses that employ about half of all Americans can continue to thrive. Madam Speaker, our role is to help lower the barriers to creating small businesses and to support small businesses that already exist. It is quite simple, and I think this bill helps with that. Major tools to help existing small businesses are government contracts specifically set aside for small businesses. However, Federal agencies cancel contract solicitations often with no warning and no reason, leaving the small businesses that spent thousands or tens of thousands of dollars and a lot of time preparing these bids out in the cold. They have no idea why their deal did not go through. This bill, the Transparency and Predictability in Small Business Opportunities Act, will help address the problem. This legislation would require agencies to provide to the SBA a justification for canceled contract solicitations. Additionally, this would require the agency canceling the contract solicitation to disclose available information about plans to reissue similar solicitations. Finally, Madam Speaker, if the agency does not plan on reissuing solicitations, the agency's director of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization must assist the small business in identifying similar contracting opportunities. I am proud to co-lead this legislation, along with Mr. Mfume of Maryland, and urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill and supporting Main Street America.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Pennsylvania for yielding. I rise today in favor of this Military Construction, Veterans Affairs appropriations bill. Mr. Speaker, I also want to share my appreciation for Kelly Dixon, who is leaving the Rules Committee. She is one of the first persons we met as freshmen. Mr. Speaker, you remember us going to the Rules Committee office and Kelly running us through how things operate here on the House floor. I had no experience in politics, and it was all new to me. She made the rules clear, and decorum, as well, which is such an important part of this institution. We wish Kelly well. I want to say a special thank-you to the Appropriations Committee, in particular, Chairman Cole and Defense Subcommittee Chair Calvert, for the $144 million in this bill, which is going to go to the advanced individual training barracks for prestigious Fort Leonard Wood in the southeastern part of the Fourth Congressional District of the great State of Missouri, which I represent. Fort Leonard Wood is a wonderful center of excellence, training the men and women who are tasked with protecting our great Nation. I was down there last year to visit and saw the need for new barracks on this great facility. It was real, Mr. Speaker. I also thank Secretary Wormuth of the Army for making this a priority in the President's budget because, together, we are working to increase our retention and recruitment for the armed services. As you know, Mr. Speaker, we have issues with recruitment. Only 9 percent of Americans, young people, right now have any interest in joining the military. At Fort Leonard Wood and other areas where we are going to provide military construction through this appropriations process, we are not building the Taj Mahal, but we are building barracks and privatized housing that is going to make living and working on these facilities not necessarily a joy but someplace where they can rest their heads at night and feel comfortable and safe. I thank the chair and subcommittee chair for that addition to this package. I want to talk now specifically about H.R. 8282, the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule to provide consideration of this act. To be honest, I am a little disappointed. I am a little bit disgusted that, once again, we are having to have these discussions about what we stand for as a nation, in particular in protecting the Nation of Israel. It is unfortunate, but it is something that we must do. Israel is our strongest ally in the Middle East, and it is under attack. It has been since October 7. Israel was living in peace until they were attacked on October 7.

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, this time, the attack is coming from the International Criminal Court, which went as far as seeking an arrest warrant against Prime Minister Netanyahu for the rightful act of defending his country against the horrific terrorist attacks of October 7. Mr. Speaker, this is an unprecedented move, and even President Biden called the arrest warrants ``outrageous.'' The commonsense response to this outrageous action by the ICC is to pass H.R. 8282. Today, Mr. Speaker, we will see just how much common sense our colleagues on the other side of the aisle actually have. H.R. 8282 would impose sanctions against ICC officials who investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute a U.S. person or our allies, including Israel, giving Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Israeli people the support they truly deserve. Let me be clear, Mr. Speaker, as some of my colleagues across the aisle seem to not understand this very simple concept: We must always stand with our ally Israel, and we must always stand against any terrorist organization like Hamas. We must support Israel in their efforts to eradicate Hamas, which could end this war today, Mr. Speaker, by releasing all the remaining hostages and surrendering. Mr. Speaker, recently, we were in Israel visiting with President Herzog, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and the family of Hersh Goldberg, an American still held hostage by the Hamas butchers in Gaza. What they are dealing with is a frightening scene, Mr. Speaker. Prime Minister Netanyahu says: We appreciate the help and support of the U.S., but let me make one thing clear--Mr. Speaker, this is what Prime Minister Netanyahu says--we will fight with our fingers if necessary to win this war. Mr. Speaker, war is not pretty. We stand with Israel. We will always stand with Israel, and that is why I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this rule.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as we come together this National Police Week to honor the brave men and women who answer the call to a life of service. We owe a debt of thanks to our police and law enforcement officers who every day, from the moment they put on their badges, know that they may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice and never come home. These are officers who give their all to protect our families, our communities, our freedoms, officers who choose to protect those who ridicule them, disrespect them, and undermine them. I thank our law enforcement officers in Missouri's Fourth Congressional District and officers all over America. I thank them for their service. We stand with them. We support them. We will always have their backs.

Mr. ALFORD

Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor an extraordinary individual, Sergeant Dennis Mills, as our Veteran of the Month. Drafted into the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 20, Sergeant Mills exemplified bravery and dedication in some of the most difficult conditions imaginable during the Vietnam war. Assigned to the First Reconnaissance Battalion of the 1st Marine Division, he led approximately 40 reconnaissance patrols. On a day that started as a beautiful morning on April 1, 1970, at Camp Reasoner, tragedy struck when a member of his patrol triggered a landmine. Despite sustaining severe injuries, Sergeant Mills' courage never wavered. He was medically evacuated after suffering injuries to both legs, his left arm, and receiving shrapnel wounds to his back. For his valor, Sergeant Mills was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat ``V'' and the Purple Heart. Mr. Speaker, I thank Sergeant Dennis Mills for his service and his sacrifice for our great Nation. He is a true hero. Small Business of the Month, Energy Transport Solutions