On the recordJune 23, 2022
I love this Nation, and I stand on the premise of the Declaration of Independence. Even though my ancestors did not benefit at the origins of this Nation, I am a patriot. I remind my fellow colleagues of the Declaration of Independence: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men and women are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Our Founding Fathers understood that this Nation would grow and would breathe life into these words and breathe life into democracy. The Constitution began with: We the people of United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty. This is a living document that ensures that we safeguard America and, particularly, that we safeguard its citizens and our children. This Pride Month, I wish all of those who are in our wonderful community of LGBTQ a wonderful existence and recognition of their individual liberty. I am so grateful that this Nation allows everyone to have a seat at the table. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for their vigorous celebration of Juneteenth, which is legislation that I introduced and fought for, for over a decade.…
