SouthernWorldwide.com – As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, a newly elected Republican lawmaker has introduced legislation aimed at reaffirming the nation’s founding principles in Congress.
Representative Matt Van Epps, a Republican from Tennessee, unveiled a bill that he states is intended to recommit the country to the ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. Van Epps emphasized that this move aligns with a congressional tradition of marking significant national anniversaries with a renewed focus on the nation’s foundational document.
Elected in a special election in December 2025, Van Epps explained that his legislative initiative was prompted by what he perceives as a rise in socialist ideologies within the Democratic Party. He expressed concern that far-left elements are attempting to gain significant political ground in anticipation of the upcoming midterm elections in November.
Van Epps specifically pointed to a group of Democratic congressional nominees who have emerged victorious in primaries held in deeply liberal districts, particularly in New York City. These candidates, he suggested, are poised to enter Congress and advocate for socialist agendas.
Among those mentioned was Darializa Avila Chevalier, a 32-year-old activist who secured an unexpected win against a more established Democratic candidate. Chevalier’s public stances have included arguments against the deportation of any undocumented migrant, support for prison abolition, and questioning Israel’s right to exist. She also co-founded a pro-Palestinian organization at Columbia University, which reportedly called for “the total eradication of Western civilization.”
“Socialism, Marxist, leftist ideas have failed every time they’ve been tried in the history of the world,” Van Epps stated, arguing that such ideologies are fundamentally at odds with the core of American identity. He further elaborated that the vision established by the Founding Fathers 250 years ago must be upheld to ensure that future generations understand and appreciate the concepts of freedom, liberty, and the pursuit of greatness.
The timeline for the House of Representatives to consider this resolution remains uncertain. Lawmakers departed Washington early for the July 4th recess following actions by a faction of conservative Republicans who effectively halted proceedings on the House floor. Their protest was reportedly centered on disagreements regarding the SAVE America Act and border security priorities.
This legislative effort by Van Epps follows a similar initiative in the Senate. Earlier this month, Senator Eric Schmitt, a Republican from Missouri, also brought the Declaration of Independence before the Senate, where it passed with considerable support.
Both Senator Schmitt and Representative Van Epps reportedly agreed to introduce companion legislation after participating in the annual Congressional baseball game, an event held in the lead-up to America’s 250th birthday.
For Senator Schmitt, the intention behind his Senate resolution was to help reignite Americans’ pride in their country. He expressed a view that this national pride has seen a steady decline over the years.
“A generation ago, American pride was nearly universal,” Schmitt remarked on the Senate floor. “After 9/11, more than 90% of Americans said they were proud to be an American. Today, Gallup puts that number at 58%.”
He characterized the underlying concept of the Declaration of Independence as an inheritance, passed down through generations, intended to remind Americans of the motivations behind the Founding Fathers’ decision to break away from British rule and forge their own national destiny.
“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 stated. He concluded by affirming a commitment to honoring the nation’s founders and preserving the legacy they bestowed upon the American people.
