“The Constitution of the United States was made not merely for the generation that then existed, but for posterity—unlimited, undefined, endless, perpetual posterity.”  Henry Clay, America’s “Great Compromiser,” knew that there were some things that could not be compromised—chief among them is our Constitution. 

On September 17, 1787, the U.S. Constitution was signed by the 39 delegates who made up the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. Today, 223 years later, we celebrate Constitution Day to recognize this foundational document and the vision our Founding Fathers had for our great Democracy.

The Constitution establishes our structure of our government, our method for passing laws, and the duties of the federal government.  Throughout all of this organization, though, the chief principle among the entire document is the fact that our Constitution grants limited, enumerated powers to the federal government to ensure that individual liberties and freedoms are protected. It is this focus on individual rights that makes the American experiment unique. It is this focus on freedom that makes the Constitution the world's longest surviving written charter of government.

Over the past several years, however, I have heard growing concerns from many of my constituents that our nation and its leaders are straying further from the vision the Founders had for our country. Especially over the past couple years, Americans have become increasingly concerned over the vast expansion of the scope and reach of the federal government. Predominant among their concerns is that federal bureaucracy is exceeding sovereignty; the role of individual right and responsibility is being overshadowed by rapid growth in federal government.

Our Founding Fathers believed that American greatness came not from the power of the federal government, wealth, military power, or pride, but rather from empowering individual citizens to pursue their unique dreams. To ensure that we remember this vision of our Founding Fathers, I have cosponsored legislation that reaffirms our commitment to the Constitution and reminds Congress of limitations to its reach and power. 

The Enumerated Powers Act, H.R. 450, requires that each Act of Congress contain a concise and definite statement of the constitutional authority relied upon for the enactment of that law.  This measure will force Congress to scrutinize the role of government on an ongoing basis and stem the tide of an ever-expanding reach of the federal government into the homes, wallets, and freedoms of Americans. 

H. Res. 1006 is a simple but powerful resolution that reaffirms Congress’ commitment to the 10th Amendment to the United States Constitution.  The 10th Amendment states “"The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." H.Res. 1006 recognizes that it is the responsibility of Congress to make sure these rights are safeguarded and to ensure that legislation passed by Congress does not overstep the bounds of this right.

I believe every American should read the Constitution and become familiar with the powerful principles in this foundational document. Whether you once read it in seventh grade, specialize in constitutional law as an attorney, or have never read the document at all, I hope that in observation of Constitution Day, you will take some time to read through the United States Constitution or take some time to memorize the Preamble. In addition, I invite you to stop by one of my offices to pick up your own pocket-sized copy of the Constitution.

By remembering our Founder’s vision for our country, we will all become better informed citizens working to pass on the spirit and letter of our Constitution’s law to – as Henry Clay once said – unlimited posterity.

According to a recent survey of small business owners by Citigroup Inc., only 17% had plans to hire additional employees. When our nation’s small businesses – who employee half of our nation’s private work force – are not hiring, it impedes economic growth.

Washington needs to abandon deficit spending and stimulus quick-fixes and instead return to economic principles that promote recovery and encourage the creation of much-needed new jobs. There are several steps that Congress can take that would create jobs and spur innovation:

Make tax cuts permanent. Implementing lasting tax cuts will help to restore economic freedom in the United States and put our country on the path to a brighter future. I have cosponsored the Economic Freedom Act (H.R. 5029), which would reduce taxes for American businesses and families.

Decrease burdensome regulations on small businesses. In our current economic situation, we must show our small businesses that we support them by continuing pro-growth policies like lowering taxes, simplifying the tax code, and reducing burdensome regulations.

Develop lasting energy solutions. We need a bold initiative that will encourage investment in new forms of energy, thus ending our dependence on oil and creating thousands of new energy jobs for Americans. I have introduced the New Manhattan Project for Energy Independence, which would create a national challenge for lasting energy solutions.

Lower the debt. Our national debt is expected to reach 93.1% of our GDP this year. Economic experts say even a 1 percent increase in GDP can create almost one million jobs. We must make a commitment to decreasing the national debt, which is why I have introduced a bill to cut government spending by 40% over the next five years.