An Extra Special Fourth of July

This Fourth of July, Americans all across the nation will come together to celebrate the magnificent land we call home, our hard won freedoms, and our history that has led us to become the greatest country in the world. 

Our nation was the first to empower anyone to succeed through hard work and determination, regardless of his or her born station. This concept became the American Dream. Millions have flooded to the United States to experience the opportunities found only here. The American Dream is not about becoming rich or famous. It’s about the ability to provide for our families and then, through hard work, the empowerment of our children and grandchildren to be better off than we were. In America a family can, in one generation, rise from poverty to the highest levels of government. We must all work to closely guard the American Dream, and I am honored to preserve these values in Congress by representing Arkansas’ Fourth District. 

This Fourth of July will be an even more joyous celebration because of the children that will now have the chance to strive for the American Dream that would otherwise have lost their lives to the horrors of abortion. Now that abortion is illegal in Arkansas with the exception of a medical emergency, many families currently looking to adopt, some for many years, will finally meet the child they have longed and prayed for. As many as two million U.S. families are looking to adopt at any given time, while roughly 700,000 abortions were performed each year. 

Each of these precious lives will now have a family. Many little ones will now have the chance to cookout with friends and family, light sparklers, eat hot dogs, jump in the swimming pool, and experience the simple joys that make the Fourth of July one of America’s favorite holidays. 

Many charities, churches, families, and pregnancy resource centers are prepared to help any mother who many need assistance, regardless of whether she intends to keep the child or put him or her up for adoption. There are nearly 50 crisis pregnancy centers in Arkansas that will provide pre- and post-natal care, diapers, formula, car seats, counseling, education, adoption referrals, and so much more for free or a very low cost. 

Arkansas was rated the most pro-life state in the U.S., which is a badge I wear with pride. Let us ensure we come around women who may be hurting or going through trials and continue to provide kind, loving, and judgement free support. This Fourth of July, join me in celebrating the beauty of America and the opportunity she provides to all, and recommit to fostering a culture of life in our communities as we serve each other and especially as we serve mothers in need.