Washington, DC – DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz issued the following statement today celebrating Independence Day:

“On July 4th, we celebrate our country’s founding, the brave men and women on whose backs this nation was built, and the fundamental principles which have guided our history. In declaring independence, our Founding Fathers asserted that government exists to secure our unalienable rights, among them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. For 238 years, Americans have struggled to define these principles, expand their application, and live up to their potential.

“The United States of America has made extraordinary progress expanding our rights and privileges to more members of society. Our nation has been strengthened by the fight for inclusion of women, minorities, immigrants, the LGBT community, and others. But our work is unfinished; from paycheck fairness, to marriage equality, to access to quality, affordable health care, to ensuring that all Americans can exercise their right to vote, we continue to be driven by the idea that as Americans, we can do better.

“As we gather with family and friends to celebrate today, we remember that America exists because of those who are willing to defend our freedoms, and because of those who have had the courage to speak up for our ideals. On this great American holiday, I wish everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July.”