On the recordSeptember 17, 2018
I rise today to speak on three very important topics: first, today's celebration of Constitution Day; second, the signing of the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Act; and finally, tonight's vote on the Opioid Crisis Response Act. Constitution Day Mr. President, today marks 231 years since the Founding Fathers signed a charter that would forever alter the course of human history: the U.S. Constitution. This document serves as the foundation of our government, and we rightly celebrate its anniversary each year with Constitution Day. The Constitution establishes guiding principles that have served the American people very well. The separation of powers, the rule of law, and our system of federalism work together toward the goal of preserving liberty. They have worked to secure individual rights against encroachment by the government. The Framers of the Constitution recognized that the government derived its power from the people themselves. The Constitution overturned the prevailing wisdom that men are made for governments, declaring instead that governments are made for men. These principles and our Nation's dedication to them are core to our American ethos. Today, they set our country apart as a symbol of freedom and prosperity across the globe. The Constitution is the culmination of centuries of human progress. We have a charge to fulfill its promises. We have a duty to uphold its principles.…
