New Legislation Reaffirms Founding Principles
Recently elected Republicans are striving to bring back America’s founding ideals within Congress as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. They argue that with the growing influence of socialist ideologies on the left, a recommitment to these principles is necessary.
Congressman Matt Van Epps (R-Tenn.) has introduced a bill aimed at reaffirming the Declaration of Independence. He pointed out that this action aligns with the Congressional tradition of marking major national milestones with acknowledgments of foundational documents.
“Congress did something similar for the 100th anniversary of America,” Van Epps told Fox News Digital. “We believed it was the right moment to clarify our love for this nation as we enter our next 250 years.”
Having been elected in a special election in December 2025, Van Epps commented that his bill was a response to the increasing prominence of socialists within the Democratic Party, as the far-left seeks to gain more influence ahead of the midterm elections in November.
America’s Future Depends on Transmitting Freedom to Future Generations
Van Epps referenced a slate of Socialist Party candidates who recently won primaries in solidly Democratic districts in New York City, set to take seats in Congress.
One of these candidates, Dalializa Avila Chevalier, a 32-year-old activist, makes controversial statements, including questioning immigration policies and expressing support for the abolition of prisons. She co-founded a pro-Palestinian organization at Columbia University focusing on dismantling Western civilization.
“The supporters of the Democratic Socialists of America are entirely out of alignment with what the party was initially established to represent,” Van Epps remarked. “We need to combat this.” He emphasized that “leftist ideas have failed throughout history,” asserting they are “not fundamentally American.”
“We must keep conveying what our founders intended 250 years ago… which is to pursue freedom and greatness,” he stated.
It’s uncertain when the House will deliberate on this resolution, particularly since lawmakers departed early for the July 4 recess after some conservative Republicans stalled proceedings to voice their opposition to the Save America Act and related border security issues.
Declining American Pride
Earlier this month, Senator Eric Schmidt (R-Missouri) also brought forth the Declaration of Independence in the Senate, where it passed smoothly. Both he and Van Epps decided to introduce their companion bills after the annual Congressional Baseball Game, aiming to revive national pride that Schmidt believes has diminished over time.
“A generation ago, pride in America was widespread,” Schmidt noted during his Senate speech. “Post-9/11, over 90% of Americans expressed pride in being American. Now, recent Gallup figures show that number has dropped to 58%.”
He elaborated that this document symbolizes a legacy passed through the ages, encouraging Americans to understand why the Founding Fathers broke away from Great Britain to form a new nation.
“That legacy is our responsibility now, but many influential figures are teaching the upcoming generation to view it with skepticism instead of appreciation,” Schmidt stated. “We refuse to feel shame about our nation. We love this country and honor those who helped build it while safeguarding the legacy they’ve left us.”
