Harriet Hageman: “I thank the witnesses for being here today, and look forward to your testimony.”

In Gallup’s 25-year patriotism survey, just 17 percent, or less than 1 in 5 American adults, reported that they were ‘very proud’ of being an American.

Food independence is a national security issue. We do not want to become food dependent on Mexico or Central America or bringing all of our food in from other countries.

We must stop pretending that America is just an idea, or that we have no shared culture worth fighting for.

I hope that by focusing on America’s 250th anniversary – and looking back over that history with honesty and accuracy — we will reverse these declines.