WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Renee Ellmers released the following statement from her office in Washington this morning:

"In the face of tyranny, oppression, and fear, our Founding Fathers risked their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor so that future generations would be able to live and flourish in a society where individuals were in control of their destiny. Our fundamental rights and liberties are forever endowed by our Creator and demand a government that is limited and accountable to the consent of the governed."

"Today we celebrate the day our Founding Fathers drafted a document that justified their right to abandon the toils of an oppressive government and secure the blessings of liberty by the consent of the governed. These rights are as alive today as they were at the signing of the Declaration of Independence."

"But last week we were reminded of the threats that face us as a republic. While Obamacare was ruled constitutional, we are ultimately engaged in a battle to validate its removal by the consent of the governed - a validation that was already confirmed by the historic elections in 2010. As we reflect on the spirit woven into the fabric of our nation's founding documents, we must ask ourselves if we have sacrificed too much of our liberty at the expense of complacent entitlement. Will we continue to reward an ever-expanding government that tramples on the unalienable rights that our Forefathers fought and died for, or instead remain vigilant to protect future generations from the overreach of government born in complacency?"

"I wish all Americans a safe and happy Independence Day weekend and may God continue to bless the United States of America."

####