Dear Friends,

I would like to wish you and your family a very happy Fourth of July.

My days in Washington are quickly returning to a busy schedule, marred by difficult decisions and partisan gridlock; however, as I walk through the halls of the capitol, I am reminded of what it means to live in a free county, and the overwhelming privilege that it is. Indeed, the very political disagreements that we often find burdensome are the byproduct of living in a free and open country with a representative government. And for that, we should all be thankful.

Our country experienced variety of trials this past year. While these trials did not exactly resemble the ones, our forefathers faced as they formed our Republic, we witnessed the hardworking spirit that embodied by our founding fathers is still alive and well in the DNA of Americans, both young and old.

The founding of our great nation was based on a radical idea that individuals could govern themselves. That we could have freedom and liberty and live out our God-given potential. Those radical ideas indeed changed the course of history forever.

This day represents everything that makes America unique and wonderful. So here is to the Spirit of 1776. Here’s to the colorful and diverse group of people who make up the land that we love: the workers, the innovators, the healers, the teachers, the members of our military, the moms, and dads. Here’s to the United States of America, the land where anything is possible, and our best days lie ahead.

Happy Fourth of July!

Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D.