Today is the 225^th anniversary of a historic and pivotal moment for America. On December 15, 1791, the Bill of Rights was ratified and became part of the U.S. Constitution. For over two centuries, the Bill of Rights has helped promote the stability and prosperity of our nation.

As America’s torch of liberty shines throughout the globe, the Bill of Rights is a reminder that our nation is exceptional. Over 225 years ago, the Founding Fathers set in motion a great experiment in democracy. They could not possibly know all of the potential consequences of their courage, or whether future generations would ultimately enjoy the fruits of the liberty they secured. But they did their best to ensure a more perfect union, and when they disagreed on how to do it, they crafted these pivotal amendments and reached a historic and lasting compromise.   

The Bill of Rights is not just a document we read about in our textbooks– it has tangible and direct impacts on the lives of all Americans. It has served as a vanguard of the Preamble’s mission to “establish justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessing of Liberty to ourselves and our Poserity.”

When I was sworn into office as a U.S. Senator and placed my hand on the Bible, I promised to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States.” Unfortunately, too many in Washington have deviated from their oaths to protect it. Unelected bureaucrats and out-of-touch politicians have infringed on the Constitution by dramatically expanding the size and scope of the federal government far beyond the vision of the Founding Fathers. Some have even sought to roll back parts of the Bill of Rights they don’t like.

As we celebrate the 225^th anniversary of the Bill of Rights, let us be thankful for the opportunities the Constitution has afforded us, and remember that our cherished freedoms came at a terribly high price. At times when our very existence was threatened by war at home and abroad, blood was shed and lives were lost. Around the world, millions have suffered and continue to suffer under the yoke of tyranny and oppression, as they fight to have the same liberties we often take for granted.  

Growing up in the 1980s, I can still remember the sense of fear surrounding the fatal disease that came to be known as HIV/AIDS. While so many then knew its name and the death sentence it bore, no one knew how to treat it. And sadly, instead of compassion, the disease brought a stigma to those afflicted by it.

Fortunately, advancements in medicine and technology have brought hope to those with HIV/AIDS and allowed them to live their lives. But we shouldn’t get complacent. Living with HIV/AIDS is not easy; it brings unique challenges. We have yet to find a cure, but with continued breakthroughs in medicine, it’s my hope this generation will see the end of HIV/AIDS.

I’ve been proud to support the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), an initiative started by President George W. Bush and continued by President Obama. Because of it, millions of people across the globe with HIV/AIDS are able to live more fulfilling lives, and millions of babies in Africa whose mothers are infected have been given the chance to live free of the virus.

We’ve achieved real progress, but the fight must continue. More than 36 million people across the globe have HIV/AIDS, and unfortunately, minority communities in the United States are impacted disproportionately. That’s why I will continue working to promote education, prevention, awareness, and research to improve treatment and find a cure.

Today, we remember and pray for those we have lost to this terrible disease, and honor their memory by redoubling our efforts to realize an AIDS-free world. I’ll keep working with my colleagues in Congress to help eradicate this virus.

This month, we mark National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a tradition first started in 1945 by the U.S. Congress. NDEAM celebrates the skills and talents of workers with disabilities and their contributions to our country as part of the American workforce. Equal opportunity is a key part of the American Dream, and when workers with disabilities are empowered by their employers, it’s yet another example of what makes America great.

It’s important to remember that not all disabilities are visible. Many Americans persevere in their daily lives with a disability that usually goes unnoticed by those around them. That’s why I encourage businesses to create welcoming environments for our loved ones, friends and neighbors who have an impediment beyond their control. We should help every worker achieve their full potential, regardless of the obstacles they face. About 13 percent of Floridians live with some sort of disability, and I applaud the numerous companies in our state that collectively employ 370,000 residents with disabilities.

In the U.S. Senate, I’ve supported efforts to help people with disabilities. I voted for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which President Obama signed into law in July 2014. This legislation requires state vocational rehabilitation programs to set aside at least 15 percent of their federal funding to help young people with disabilities transition from secondary school to postsecondary education programs and employment.

I also cosponsored the Able Act,  which was signed into law that same year. It allows individuals with disabilities to create tax-advantaged savings accounts to cover qualified disability expenses like education, housing and transportation. And I’ve been a champion for people with spinal cord injuries, annually sponsoring a resolution along with Senator Bill Nelson designating September as National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month.

I’ve also focused on disability benefits for our veterans. In addition to my efforts to improve and reform the Department of Veterans Affairs, I’ve sponsored legislation such as the Protect Our Disabled Heroes Act. It creates criminal penalties for anyone who solicits or receives a fee or compensation from a veteran for advice on how to file a benefits claim.

As your representative in the U.S. Senate, I’m proud to support National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and I will continue working to ensure people with disabilities are treated fairly and have the opportunity to pursue the American Dream. We must strive to strengthen our economy and promote policies that create more good-paying jobs for all Floridians.