[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 4 (Wednesday, January 7, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S63]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

  Mr. GRASSLEY. At the start of this new year, one of the dates is 
coming up that we always honor, but this is a special honor of that day 
because, on July 4 of this year, the United States of America will 
celebrate the 250th anniversary of our Nation's founding.
  Throughout our history, Americans from all walks of life have shaped 
our story, including, and most importantly, the 56 colonists who signed 
the Declaration of Independence. These men--if it were happening today, 
there would be women in that group. These men reflected profiles in 
courage, pledging their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor 
on a piece of parchment paper. As benefactors of their bold commitment 
to freedom, we must never take for granted the remarkable risk and 
providential promise that they embraced.
  Since July 4, 1776, Americans can trace a shared heritage--a heritage 
of freedom--to that founding document proclaiming our unalienable 
rights and self-evident truths: equality, life, liberty, and the 
pursuit of happiness.
  The Declaration of Independence launched the American experiment that 
continues from one generation to the next. This experiment is unique in 
the 6,000-year history of humans.
  Earlier this week, the Washington Monument, here on our National 
Mall, was illuminated to mark keystones in American history: discovery, 
independence, westward expansion, the Industrial Revolution, 
innovation, and the future.
  Last August, the yearlong Great American State Fair was launched at 
the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, IA. On this Fourth of July, fair 
exhibits from all 50 States will be featured on the National Mall, 
right here in Washington, DC. I encourage Americans of all walks of 
life to participate in local celebrations across our beautiful country.
  I am grateful to celebrate 250 years of freedom and honor all those 
who served in uniform to keep us free for generations yet to come.
  I yield the floor.

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