This weekend we gather with family and friends to celebrate the Fourth of July, our nation’s 238th birthday.
Between the parades, fireworks, and celebrations, I encourage us to take a moment to reflect on the significance of this holiday.  Our great country would not exist today if our revolutionary heroes did not have the courage to declare independence from the British Empire, or have the vision to establish a government for the people, by the people.
On June 7, 1776, Virginia Representative Richard Henry Lee proposed before Congress the need for independence from the King of England.  Congress then debated Representative Lee’s idea, leading to the establishment of a committee to draft a serious proposal.  Nearly one month passed as writers prepared the document and the thirteen colonies negotiated the details. On July 4, 1776, Congress reached an agreement and our Declaration of Independence from the British Empire was official—the United States of America was born!
Today, Congress goes through a similar process when creating new laws. Ideas are proposed, written, and negotiated before they are agreed on by all three branches of government.
It takes much more time now since our country has tripled in size.  We now have 535 state representatives and a President who has to agree on legislation before our country can establish a new law.  Admittedly, this process seems frustrating at times, but even in times of frustration we must recognize that our system of government was established to protect the interests of the people and ensure it would never evolve into a government similar to the British Empire’s monarchy.
It is now our responsibility, as Americans, to protect our government and freedoms.  We must ensure that the separation of powers, Declaration of Independence, and our country’s laws are upheld and honored.  While our country has hit some roadblocks and has experienced setbacks, we still remain the greatest nation on the planet and the freedom leaders of the world.
It is an honor to serve you, your family, our state, and country.
This is not a responsibility I take lightly and will always do my best to ensure that our country remains a beacon of freedom, the home of hope, and land of prosperity.  May God Bless you and May God Bless the U.S.A.!
Congressman Tom Rice
Seventh District
325 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515