Each year, Americans come together to celebrate Independence Day, a holiday that commemorates the moment when the thirteen American colonies declared their independence from British rule. The Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, articulated the colonies’ grievances against the British Crown and asserted their right to self-governance and freedom. The Fourth is not only a commemoration of the nation’s birth but also a reflection on the values that have shaped the United States.

While Independence Day is a time to celebrate our freedoms, it is also a reminder of the responsibilities that come with self-governance. One of the critical aspects of maintaining a free and prosperous nation is fiscal responsibility. An over-indebted country is a vulnerable one. Excessive debt limits a nation’s ability to respond to crises and can lead to conflicts between the financial interests of the debt owners and the public. Just as the Founding Fathers fought for political freedom, modern leaders must strive for economic freedom by managing the nation’s finances prudently. This involves making tough decisions about spending, reducing waste, and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used effectively.

Fiscal responsibility involves managing government spending and debt to ensure long-term economic stability and growth. The U.S. has had debt for virtually its entire existence, but the national debt has exploded over the last decade, reaching unsustainable levels. This debt burden impacts every American taxpayer and has far-reaching consequences for the economy.

As lawmakers debate how best to tackle this growing issue, it is essential that they take a holistic approach. Deeming some programs “untouchable” while continuing to pour money into partisan priorities will not solve our debt conundrum and will only continue to fuel the partisan fire raging in Washington. For nearly 30 years, TCS has taken principled stands on issues across the policy landscape in pursuit of fiscal responsibility.

In the face of growing threats from natural disasters, TCS is working to enhance resilience for farmers and communities. We support policies that help farmers manage risks, adapt to climate change, and recover from disasters. By reforming federal policy to make room for more sustainable agricultural practices and investments in resilient infrastructure, we aim to protect both the livelihoods of farmers and the food security of the nation.

TCS emphasizes the importance of valuing our natural assets on public lands, which provide significant economic, environmental, and recreational benefits. We advocate for policies that ensure these lands are managed sustainably and that the economic value of ecosystems, such as water retention, carbon storage, and recreation, is recognized. TCS has conducted in-depth analyses of the federal oil and gas leasing system, for example, highlighting the need for reforms to ensure that federal lands are used responsibly, Uncle Sam gets a fair return on assets, and that taxpayers are not left to cover the costs of industry operations.

Remaining vigilant about the best use of our tax dollars on defense is a key priority for TCS as well. We scrutinize defense budgets to identify wasteful spending and advocate for a more transparent and accountable defense budget process. By ensuring that defense spending is aligned with actual security needs and not driven by parochial interests, we aim to protect taxpayer dollars and our national security.

As we celebrate Independence Day, let us also commit to the principles of fiscal responsibility that are essential for maintaining our nation’s freedom and prosperity. At TCS, we believe that government waste costs more than just money; it endangers public health, aggravates social and economic problems, and undermines true national security. By demanding excellence and accountability from our government, we can build a nation that inspires trust and uses more common sense.

Join us in our fight for common sense government. Together, we can ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly and that our government operates within its means. This is not just a matter of economic necessity but a reflection of the values that have shaped our nation since its founding.