WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Rogers (R-AL-03) submitted a statement into the Congressional Record in honor of the 10 lives lost in the tragic car wreck on I-65 on June 19th, 2021. 

The full text of the statement is below: 

MR. ROGERS. Madame Speaker, I am heartbroken to request the House’s attention to mourn ten lives cut tragically short in a multivehicle crash in Butler County, Alabama, on June 19th, 2021. 

Among the victims we mourn are eight children, who were part of the Tallapoosa County Girls Ranch, whose mission is to provide Christian, family-style residential homes for Alabama’s needy, neglected, or abused, school-age children. The children at the ranch often come from backgrounds of neglect or abuse and find safety and stability through the program, learning about faith and community through one another.

The countless success stories from the Tallapoosa County Girls Ranch program - which emphasizes hard work, responsibility, and loving kindness - are a testament to the leadership and community they have built over more than five decades. The passionate caregivers and house parents, providing stability and guidance, are the shining example of why these young girls call this place “home.” 

The young girls who lost their lives in this horrific accident were ready to break the cycle of abuse and neglect by leading fulfilling lives grounded in faith and love – creating a better future for themselves and their future families. The victims’ families, and our entire community, is devastated by this loss, but comforted in the knowledge that they are now in the loving arms of Jesus. 

The loss of these ten lives is immeasurable, but so is the love left behind. Matthew 19:14 “But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.’”

Madam Speaker, please join me in mourning the loss of these beautiful lives, who have been welcomed into God’s loving and eternal kingdom.

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