Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
As we celebrate Independence Day, our nation stands on the doorstep of an extraordinary milestone. On July 4, 2026, Americans will mark 250 years since the birth of the United States—the greatest experiment in self-governance the world has ever known.
250 years ago, our Founders pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to establish a nation built on the timeless principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. They envisioned a country where people could speak freely, worship according to their conscience, and chart their own future without the heavy hand of government standing in their way. A quarter of a millennium later, those principles still endure.
No matter your background, your faith, your occupation, or your political beliefs, America remains a place where hard work, determination, and personal responsibility can open doors that would remain closed almost anywhere else in the world. The American Dream is not a guarantee of success, but it is the promise that opportunity exists for those willing to pursue it.
I often wonder what our Founders would think if they could see our nation today. While I am confident Benjamin Franklin would have never imagined the technologies that power our homes, connect our communities, or send Americans into space, I believe our Founders would recognize something even more important: a nation that, despite its imperfections, has continued striving to become stronger, freer, and more prosperous with each passing generation.
Our history has never been without challenges. We have faced war, division, hardship, and moments that tested the very foundation of our republic. Yet generation after generation, Americans have answered those challenges with courage, resilience, and an unwavering belief that tomorrow will be better than today. This enduring spirit is what has carried our nation through 250 remarkable years.
This great experiment has never been easy, but it has always been worth protecting.
In today's world, it is easy to become consumed by the headlines focused on disagreements and frustrations. But, this Independence Day, I encourage every Nebraskan to take a moment to reflect on the blessings we often take for granted: the freedom to build a life of your own choosing, to raise a family, to start a business, to worship freely, to speak your mind, and to pursue your own version of the American Dream.
That is what makes America exceptional.
In Congress, I remain committed to advancing policies that protect our individual liberties, strengthen opportunities for working families, and preserve the freedoms that have made this nation a beacon of hope for generations.
This weekend, as children race to collect candy at hometown parades, friends gather around backyard barbecues, and families look to the skies as fireworks light up the night, I hope you will join me in taking a moment to remember those who came before us—the men and women whose courage and sacrifice made this remarkable nation possible.
It is the honor of a lifetime to serve Nebraska’s Third District and to play a small part in preserving this extraordinary American experiment—a responsibility I will never take for granted.
Happy Independence Day, God bless Nebraska, and God bless the United States of America.