Ahead of the nation's 250th birthday, Republican Representative Matt Van Epps of Tennessee has introduced legislation in Congress to reaffirm the principles of the Declaration of Independence. Van Epps stated the bill is intended to recommit the country to its founding values and counter what he described as the increasing influence of socialist ideas within the Democratic Party.
Van Epps, who won a special election in December 2025, indicated that this legislative action follows a historical precedent of Congress marking major national anniversaries with the foundational document. He cited instances where Congress has previously honored the Declaration of Independence for significant anniversaries.
"We felt like this was the right time to do it so that generations forward understand that we love our country at America 250," Van Epps told Fox News Digital. He specifically linked the bill's introduction to the emergence of socialist candidates gaining traction in Democratic primaries, particularly in districts within New York City. He referenced candidates supported by the Democratic Socialists of America, asserting their ideologies are contrary to the nation's founding principles.
"Socialism, Marxist, leftist ideas have failed every time they've been tried in the history of the world," Van Epps stated, adding that these ideas do not represent the core of America. He expressed a desire to ensure future generations understand the concepts of freedom and liberty that the founders established.
This legislative effort mirrors a similar move in the Senate by Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri, who also brought the Declaration of Independence to the floor, where it passed. Both lawmakers agreed to introduce companion legislation after participating in the annual Congressional baseball game.
Senator Schmitt commented that his intention was to reinvigorate national pride, which he believes has declined over the years. He noted a significant drop in Americans identifying as proud to be American compared to previous decades. Schmitt described the Declaration of Independence as an inheritance passed down through generations, meant to remind citizens of the founders' decision to forge a new nation. "That inheritance now rests in our hands, and too many powerful voices in this country teach the next generation to receive it with suspicion instead of gratitude," Schmitt said. "We are done being ashamed of America. We love our country. We honor the men who built it. We give thanks for the inheritance they placed in our hand, and we intend to keep it."
It remains unclear when the House will debate Van Epps' resolution. Lawmakers departed Washington for the July 4 recess following a protest by a group of conservative Republicans regarding the SAVE America Act and border security issues, which had previously halted floor proceedings.