Its purpose was to formally declare the freedom of the thirteen colonies from England, but it was carefully crafted by Thomas Jefferson to make a statement upon which our system of government would be based.  Jefferson borrowed from philosopher John Locke's "natural law" theory, which  held that government was a contract between the governed and those governing, who derived their power solely from the consent of the governed and whose purpose it was to protect every man's inherent right to property, life and liberty.  

Jefferson added to those rights the pursuit of happiness, and so began the United States of America.  More than two centuries later, we still hold those truths to be self-evident, though many have struggled throughout our nation's history, fighting and protecting those unalienable rights, and unfortunately, many still struggle today.  

For Members of Congress, the July 4 holiday represents the halfway point in our year.  It is a time when we take stock of the work we have done, and the work we have yet to do.  This year in particular, with many of our brave men and women in uniform still fighting to promote and defend freedom, I am reminded of Jefferson's declaration of our government's duty.  Indeed, we still have much work ahead of us in Congress, and as I return to our nation's Capitol, I do so under the contract set forth by our founding fathers that day in Philadelphia to protect every man's right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.