Reflecting on America’s Entrepreneurial Spirit at 250

For the past 250 years, the narratives of America have unfolded in various spaces: in family-run shops, across ranches and farms inherited through generations, and in the heart of Main Street, where everyday Americans take bold steps to create something meaningful.

This is something I’ve personally experienced. Before taking on my role in Congress, I dedicated decades to helping my family’s businesses grow in Texas. I remember the sleepless nights spent worrying about how to meet payroll, and the relief that washes over you when you can finally make those payments. It’s all wrapped up in grit, family ties, faith, and countless long days.

As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, it’s a fitting moment to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that has been a driving force since the country’s inception. Our Founding Fathers were, in many ways, entrepreneurs themselves—visionaries who dared to chart a new course based on freedom and opportunity.

I also want to acknowledge the unsung heroes who built this nation quietly: shopkeepers, merchants, and family-run businesses. These business leaders believed in themselves and contributed significantly to the creation of the wealthiest nation the world has ever seen.

Two and a half centuries later, the tradition of entrepreneurship continues. This Independence Day feels especially significant as I witness the resilience of our economy.

Talking to folks back home in Weatherford, Texas, I hear a renewed sense of optimism. Just this past May, our economy added a surprising 172,000 jobs, far exceeding expert predictions, and the unemployment rate held steady at 4.3%. It’s, well, the best three-month hiring surge we’ve seen in two years. This didn’t happen by chance; it’s largely due to a reduced government footprint that has empowered small businesses to thrive.

According to recent insights from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, small businesses have been responsible for around 78% of all jobs in this country since 2001—and their numbers are on the rise.

Since early last year, small and medium enterprises have created close to 4 million jobs each month, representing over three-quarters of all new job openings. If you’re on the hunt for a new opportunity, check out what’s happening on Main Street.

Much of this progress can be traced back to tax cuts benefiting working families, thanks to the efforts of Congressional Republicans and President Trump.

The Working Families Tax Cut was designed to prevent a staggering $5 trillion tax hike—the largest in U.S. history—that would have weighed down households and small businesses alike. Instead of squeezing taxpayers, the cut has allowed people to keep more of their hard-earned money.

During the last tax season, 97% of filers benefited from a tax break, with a significant portion of that relief aimed at Americans earning less than $100,000 a year. We’re proud of what we achieved: exempting taxes on tips, getting rid of taxes on overtime, and doubling the child tax credit, which has helped nearly 40 million families. Thanks to Trump’s leadership, we brought real relief to working families right when they needed it most.

As highlighted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the landscape for small businesses has improved significantly, with greater tax certainty and fewer burdensome regulations. This fosters an environment ripe for investment, job creation, and overall growth.

With a Republican-led Congress and Trump in the White House focused on clearing the path for progress, we’re laying the groundwork for a revival of the essence of America—built from the bottom up by workers, families, and entrepreneurs.

As we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, the timing feels just right.

This Fourth of July, amidst the barbecues and fireworks, let’s take a moment to recognize small business owners in our communities. Support their work—visit their shops. They embody the enterprising spirit, independence, and determination that defined the birth of our nation in 1776. They stand as proof that the great times for America are still ahead.

Happy 250th Anniversary, America! From the small businesses on Main Street to the mountains and prairies, may God bless those who remain the backbone of our economy—those who dare to dream big, take risks, and keep pushing this great country forward.