On July 4, 1776, America claimed its independence from Britain when the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress. Against incredible odds in the years that followed, George Washington commanded the Continental Army to victory against the formidable British Army, forcing its surrender at Yorktown in 1781. The American Revolution ended and a nation – built on the ideals of individual freedom and liberty -- was born.

In San Diego and all across America, families are coming together this weekend to celebrate our nation’s independence and the spirit, tradition and courage of all those who were committed to its cause. As we commemorate this period of American history, we must also remember those who have fought for our country and defended the freedom that we all celebrate. It is because of their service and sacrifice that our freedom, as well as that of millions of others around the world, continues to prosper.

Today, more than 200,000 U.S. military personnel are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The recent withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Iraq’s cities symbolizes a major milestone for our military and the people of Iraq. In Afghanistan, U.S. Marines are currently engaged in operations that mark the start of our new combat strategy in that region. For this success and effort, we owe these brave men and women, past and present, our gratitude and full support.

At the same time our troops are fighting to bring freedom to people around the world, we must also come together here at home to protect free market principles and promote sensible solutions, from the ideals ingrained in our Constitution, to our ongoing economic challenges. Each of the initiatives below, which I am supporting in Congress, serve to strengthen our nation, either by decreasing government regulation or promoting fiscal responsibility without restraining the financial freedom of hard-working American families.

H.J.Res. 1, the Balanced Budget Amendment Act:

· Proposes a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution – a measure that would restore fiscal discipline in government and encourage responsible federal spending. 

H.J.Res. 57, the Preserving Capitalism in America Amendment:

· Proposes an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to prohibit the U.S. government from owning stock in private companies.

H.R. 1207, the Federal Reserve Transparency Act:

· Reforms the manner in which the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System is audited by the Comptroller General of the United States and the manner in which such audits are reported;

· The Federal Reserve currently conducts its own internal audits. H.R. 1207 increases Congressional oversight of this process while maintaining the autonomy the bank was intended to have.

H.R. 450, the Enumerated Powers Act:

· Requires each Act of Congress contain a concise and definite statement of the Constitutional authority relied upon for the enactment of that Act.

In light of growing government intervention in the private marketplace and our current economic condition, these legislative initiatives provide a reasonable course forward that is consistent with the basic principles on which America was created. This holiday weekend should serve to remind us all of the importance of preserving individual liberty and freedom, and a federal government that acts responsibly to protect the interests of its citizens.

Most importantly, let’s also all take the time to remember those servicemen and women supporting the military mission in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as all those who have ever served in defense of our freedom.