Rep. Van Epps Introduces the Declaration of Independence Reaffirmation Act
Rep. Van Epps Introduces the Declaration of Independence Reaffirmation Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Rep. Van Epps (TN-07) introduced the Declaration of Independence Reaffirmation Act of 2026 in honor of its 250th anniversary. This legislation passes a recognition of our nation’s foremost Founding document into law. Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri introduced this legislation in the Senate, and it passed by unanimous consent.
Rep. Van Epps said, “On July 4, 1776, 56 of our Founding Fathers pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor upon signing the Declaration of Independence. They knew that this action would label them as traitors in the eyes of Great Britain, but they believed it was worth the sacrifice. And while many of these brave men did indeed sacrifice their fortunes and lives for this country, I think we can all agree that they not only kept their sacred honor, but greatly added to it. In fact, it is our nation’s privilege to honor them on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.”
He continued, “The Declaration of Independence isn’t just a historical document; it lays out the fundamental liberties and constitutional principles that our nation was built upon. If we are a city on a hill, it's because the principles of the Declaration set us there in the first place. These principles include the idea that our rights and liberties come from God—not government. It was upon this principle that our Founders set out to prove that a government can be created through reason and choice instead of mere accident and force. Upon this foundation, they built a Republic, and it is our great privilege to work to “keep it.” That is why, on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, I have chosen, along with my colleagues, to introduce a recognition of this great document into law. This is a fitting way to honor this Great Experiment.”
Senator Schmitt said, “On July 4, 1776, fifty-six men crossed a line from which there was no retreat. These men knew the king they defied. They knew the empire that would come for them…They made a bold declaration to the world that never had been made before. It was in fact—revolutionary. Our Rights come from God. Government rests on consent. Citizens are not subjects. America is a nation. Those truths made America possible. And every generation that inherits America must decide whether those truths still command it. That is why I rise today in support of repassing the Declaration of Independence…”
This bill was cosponsored by Reps. Buddy Carter (GA-01), Barry Moore (AL-01), Tracey Mann (KS-01), Derek Schmidt (KS-02), Celeste Maloy (UT-02), Clay Fuller (GA-14), and Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Gary Palmer (AL-06), Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Don Bacon (NE-02), Addison McDowell (NC-06), Mike Haridopolos (FL-08), Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Randy Fine (FL-06), and Morgan Luttrell (TX-08).
Read the text of the bill here.
Read Senator Schmitt’s press release here or watch his speech here.
Listen to Rep. Van Epps' audio press release here.
Watch Rep. Van Epps’ Special America250 message here.