Dear friend,

Today, we celebrate Independence Day. Upon the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4th, 1776, the 13 colonies declared themselves free from tyranny. The signing of this document made clear the United States would be a beacon of liberty and freedom for all. Today, we celebrate American Independence and the values we as a nation hold dear nearly 250 years later.

Now more than ever, it is important for communities to reflect on Independence Day and remember the ideals our country was founded upon.
 
In the words of the unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”
 
Today, I am reminded that the power of government rests in the hands of the people. In Congress, I am humbled to be the People’s Representative and use my voice to elevate policy on behalf of the people. 
 
With this in mind, I voted no on H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, harmful legislation that disproportionately harms children, women, veterans, seniors and American families. This legislation cuts nearly $200 billion in SNAP and slashes $900 billion in Medicaid. This bill hurts students who want to pursue higher education, forcing student loan borrowers into unaffordable repayment plans, cuts funding for students who rely on Pell Grants and diverts funds from public schools that serve over 90 percent of students. This bill makes it increasingly more difficult for our historically underserved communities to have a fighting chance at the American Dream. Rather than helping our most vulnerable, H.R. 1 gives over $1 trillion in tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans and adds an estimated $4 trillion to our national debt and $3.5 trillion to our deficit. This bill is not for the people.
 
While we enjoy the day with friends and family, let us not give up hope or forget the significance of Independence Day and the sacrifices of so many. As your Member of Congress, I will continue to advocate for legislation that allow us all to pursue happiness and safeguard the American ideals we aspire to.

Jahana Hayes
Member of Congress