Dear Mr. xxxxxx,

Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday

Two hundred and fifty years ago, a group of Patriots from thirteen colonies gathered at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia and signed a document that would forever change history. Renowned for its proclamation that man was endowed with equal rights from their Creator and that government is derived from the People on behalf of the People, the Declaration of Independence marked the beginning of the greatest and most prosperous country in world history.

The very signatures of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence were an act of treason; their property and lives placed at mortal risk. But these great men stood firm; stood defiant; stood proud. Their fortitude would lead to five years of war to defend their independence, finally shaking off the yoke of foreign rule in the American victory at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781.

In the 250 years since, countless generations of Americans have looked to their valor and come to the defense of liberty. From the shores of Tripoli to the volcanic rocks of Iwo Jima, the American people have valiantly carried forth the torch our Founding Fathers passed onto us. As President Ronald Reagan once said, “Freedom is a fragile thing and is never more than one generation away from extinction”. As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, let us take time to remember the deeds of our ancestors and honor their sacrifices. And as we look forward to the next 250 years of our nation, may the Lord inspire us to emulate the principles of our heroic past.

Declared by Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and the other 53 Delegates of the Second Continental Congress on July 4th, 1776: "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, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."

Rep. Roy on the 250 Years Since July 4th, 1776: "For 250 years, we've stood as a beacon of liberty, self-government, and opportunity. Our Constitution, our faith in freedom, and the courage of generations of Americans built the greatest nation on Earth. Now it's our turn to preserve that inheritance—by defending our liberties, securing our borders, restoring fiscal responsibility, and ensuring the American Dream endures for the next 250 years. God bless Texas, and God bless the United States of America.”

In Disastrous Ruling, Supreme Court Upholds Birthright Citizenship

In a 6-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld ‘birthright citizenship’ ruled that President Trump’s Executive Order was unconstitutional. The decision, authored by Chief Justice John Roberts in the case of Trump v. Barbara, found that the President’s Executive Order violated the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. Entitled ‘Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship,’ the President’s Executive Order provided that babies who are born in the United States to parents who are in this country either illegally or temporarily are not automatically entitled to citizenship.

In 1866, in his speech introducing the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Senate, Sen. Jacob Howard remarked, “This will not, of course, include persons born in the United States who are foreigners, aliens, who belong to the families of ambassadors or foreign ministers accredited to the government of the United States, but will include every other class of person.” Further, in his dissent, Justice Clarence Thomas cited the well-established history of the denial of citizenship status to persons born to parents who were only in the U.S. temporarily or without proper authorization.

The pressing dangers of birth tourism, illegal immigration, and spiraling visa issuance necessitate a strong change in our citizenship policy and an end to birthright citizenship. Alongside Sen. Schmitt back in January, I authored an amicus brief to the Supreme Court supporting President Trump’s Executive Order defending the original meaning of the Fourteenth Amendment’s Citizenship Clause. And alongside Rep. Tiffany back in March, I authored a letter to the Departments of State, Interior, and Homeland Security pressing for answers over whether China is exploiting U.S. birthright citizenship to secure long-term influence inside the United States.

Rep. Roy on Birthright Citizenship: "Today the Supreme Court manufactured out of thin air a complete abomination of a ruling by the Chief Justice suggesting that you can simply become a citizen from being born on dirt, thereby validating the abhorrent practice of baby factories. This leaves us no choice but to do what we must do to PAUSE all immigration…

I would argue that what they're doing is destroying the United States because you no longer have a sovereign nation if you're telling the world that all you have to do is break our laws, come to our country, have a child, and that child gets to have citizenship."

You can watch my speech on the House floor arguing against the Court’s ruling here and here. You can watch my questioning in the Judiciary Committee on the absurdity of birthright citizenship here. You can read my full statement on the Supreme Court’s ruling here. You can read my amicus brief in support of the President’s Executive Order here. And you can read my letter to the administration on the dangers of Chinese birth tourism here.

District News

Anniversary of the Hill Country Floods

While the rest of our nation engages in celebrations honoring our nation’s 250th birthday, for many in the Texas Hill Country this anniversary is a time of remembrance for those we lost one year ago in the Hill Country floods. I was honored to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at Kerrville’s Fourth on the River celebration ahead of William Bechmann where we remembered those we lost, honored the resilience of the Hill Country, and gave thanks for the blessings of living in the greatest nation on earth. More than 100 of our fellow Americans lost their lives in a devastating disaster across the Texas Hill Country, forever changing our state. As flood waters ravished our lands, bringing devastation and sorrow, we also witnessed the heights of heroism. Among many other heroes, Coast Guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskan bravely dove into the flood waters and risked his life to save 165 young girls and their counselors from their flooded campsite, later being awarded the Legion of Merit by President Trump during the State of the Union Address. In the aftermath, we saw the Hill Country come together to support each other and rebuild in the wake of tragedy. As I celebrated this historic July 4th with my family, my heart and hands went to prayer to our Lord, asking for comfort to those without their loved ones today. I ask you to join me in this prayer and to continue to be a light in our community for hope and healing.

Rep. Roy’s Message on the Anniversary of the Hill Country Floods: "One year ago, the people of the Texas Hill Country endured unimaginable loss as catastrophic flooding swept through our communities before dawn on Independence Day. We remember the children, parents, neighbors, and friends whose lives were taken far too soon, and we continue to pray for every family carrying that loss today.

"In the face of overwhelming tragedy, we also witnessed the very best of Texas and America. First responders, volunteers, churches, charities, and neighbors answered the call with extraordinary courage and compassion. Their selfless service reminded us that the strength of our communities comes from people helping people.

"While the scars of the flood remain, so does the resilience of the Hill Country. As we honor those we lost, may we continue to pray for every affected family and ask God to bless the Texas Hill Country with strength, healing, and peace”

You can watch my remarks to the Congress commemorating the anniversary of the floods here.

Congressional Art Competition Winner Visit

I was pleased to welcome Hewston Lochte and his family to the Capitol for the unveiling of his photograph ‘Waiting’ in the House art gallery. I selected Hewston, a student at Fredericksburg High School, as the winner of this year’s Congressional Art Competition for his amazing photograph of a rattlesnake. It was a joy to meet Hewston and his parents and little brother and give them a tour of the Capitol to see his spectacular art on display.

Media Corner

Joined Fox News to Discuss the Absurdity of Birth Tourism and Birthright Citizenship

Rep. Roy on Fox News: “If 20 million Chinese communist mothers show up to America and have a baby tomorrow, then there's suddenly 20 million new American citizens that are Chinese communist citizens? It's nuts.”

You can watch my comments to America’s Newsroom on Fox News here.

Discussed the Need of Congress to Legislate to End Birthright Citizenship on Newsmax

Rep. Roy on Newsmax: “The fact here is the Supreme Court issued an opinion today that is massively damaging to the national security and to the fabric of our country, and it is incumbent upon the Congress to respond forcefully and quickly.”

You can watch my comments to Rob Schmitt on Newsmax here.

Joined Glenn Beck to Discuss the Value and Meaning of American Citizenship

Rep. Roy on Glenn Beck: “The 14th Amendment was not meant for everybody under the sun to come to America, have a baby and become a citizen.”

You can watch my comments to Glenn Beck here.

Sincerely,