As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day and continue commemorating America's 250th anniversary, we should never take those blessings for granted.
By Cong. Brian Babin
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – The recent primary elections were about far more than local races, they offered the clearest picture yet of where today's Democrat Party is headed. The faces of Zohran Mamdani's movement include candidates who wipe their hands on the American flag, blame white supremacy for 9/11, advocate for decriminalizing prostitution, and embrace anti-American extremism.
If you think this movement will stay in New York, think again.
Across the country, self-described socialists and far-left activists are rising through Democrat ranks. From calls to abolish our borders and expand government control over every aspect of American life to attacks on the very principles that have made our nation exceptional, the Democrat Party is moving further left with each election.These are no longer isolated voices on the political fringe. They are increasingly becoming the future of the Democrat Party.
Equally concerning is what recent polling reveals about Americans' pride in their own country. According to a recent NBC News survey, only 29 percent of Democrats say they are proud to be American, a dramatic decline from just two decades ago.
Equally concerning is what recent polling reveals about Americans' pride in their own country. According to a recent NBC News survey, only 29 percent of Democrats say they are proud to be American, a dramatic decline from just two decades ago.
That should concern every citizen, regardless of party affiliation.
America has never claimed to be perfect, but it remains the greatest nation in the history of the world because it was founded on liberty, limited government, free enterprise, faith, family, and our God-given rights. Those timeless principles have created more opportunity, lifted more people out of poverty, and inspired more freedom around the globe than any socialist system ever has.
The contrast is especially striking as our nation welcomes visitors from around the world for the FIFA World Cup. Across social media, we've seen fans marvel at everyday aspects of American life, from our hospitality and entrepreneurial spirit to freedoms many have never experienced under government-controlled economies. Sometimes it takes seeing America through the eyes of others to remind us how truly blessed we are.
As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day and continue commemorating America's 250th anniversary, we should never take those blessings for granted.
House Republicans remain committed to defending the values that made this nation exceptional. We will continue fighting for secure borders, election integrity, lower taxes, American energy dominance, strong families, and a government that serves the American people, not controls them.
That commitment includes protecting the integrity of our elections. House Republicans passed the SAVE Act to require proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections, helping ensure that only American citizens cast ballots. Unfortunately, every House Democrat voted against the legislation, and it now remains stalled in the Senate.
Confidence in our elections is essential to preserving our constitutional republic. Every legal vote deserves to be protected, and every American deserves confidence that our elections are secure, transparent, and fair.
The choice before our country has rarely been clearer.
One path embraces bigger government, socialist policies, and a growing rejection of the principles that have made America the freest and most prosperous nation on Earth.
The other preserves liberty, defends our Constitution, secures our borders, strengthens our economy, and ensures future generations inherit an America that is stronger, safer, and more prosperous than the one we know today.
As your Congressman, I know which path I'll continue fighting for.
Apply for the Patriot Games!
Calling all student-athletes! The White House Task Force 250 is accepting applications for the 2026 Patriot Games, a national competition celebrating America's next generation of leaders.
Students ages 14 to 17 have the opportunity to represent Texas while competing against the nation’s best in a series of challenges that test strength, speed, agility, teamwork, resilience, and leadership. More than $250,000 in scholarships will be awarded, and the competition will be streamed on the ESPN App before culminating in a primetime ESPN on ABC special.
Applying is simple; students need only submit a short video sharing their story, accomplishments, and why they want to compete.
Applications close July 10, 2026. I encourage eligible students across Southeast Texas to take advantage of this exciting opportunity to showcase their talents while celebrating America's 250th anniversary.
This Week in American History
As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day, we remember the extraordinary events that gave birth to the United States of America. In the summer of 1776, after more than a year of war following the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to debate a bold and unprecedented idea: independence.
On July 2, 1776, Congress voted to break away from Great Britain. Two days later, on July 4, 1776, delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming that all men "are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights" and establishing the foundation of the greatest experiment in self-government the world has ever known.
This Fourth of July carries even greater significance as America begins celebrating our 250th year. We honor the courage of the Founding Fathers, the sacrifice of the patriots who secured our freedom, and the generations of Americans who have defended it ever since.
Chairman Brian Babin represents the people of Texas’ 36th Congressional District in Congress, where he serves as Chairman of the House Science, Space & Technology Committee – a committee he has served on since joining Congress. Before seeking public office, Cong. Babin served as an airborne artilleryman in the U.S. Army Reserve and the Texas Army National Guard.
