Today, Americans will gather with family and friends for barbecues and fireworks as we celebrate our Declaration of Independence.

Over the years, countless Americans died winning our independence and protecting our freedoms.

Our forefathers understood the power of a government rests in the people it governs, not the government itself. Those of us in government today rely on the people to let us know the issues of concern.

One issue on everyone's mind these days is illegal immigration. Unfortunately, it has become an opportunity for rhetoric in D.C.

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Back in December, the House passed a bill that put the concerns of the American people first by securing our borders and enforcing our laws. The Senate came back with a bill that puts the wants and needs of illegal immigrants above the security of our own citizens.

Some are saying by not supporting the Reid-Kennedy Senate-passed bill, an individual is somehow racist, or against immigration, or not being realistic about the problem.

Ridiculous.

Here are some examples of what is included in the Reid-Kennedy bill:

1) Mexico would have to be consulted regarding construction of a fence along our southern border.

2) Guaranteed Social Security benefits would be provided to illegal immigrants for time they were in the country illegally.

3) And it allows illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition at state colleges and universities.

We are confident the American people want a bill sent to the president that reflects the following principles: secure the border, strictly enforce our current laws and apply stiffer penalties for individuals and employers who knowingly break the law. Anything else would be a tremendous disservice to the American people, and, I feel, a dereliction of duty when it comes to our national security.

The House will act again because we understand the importance of the issue. The American people deserve an opportunity to be heard. In August, we will take the debate across the country in a series of field hearings, in our towns and cities.

America is unique. We are a melting pot. People from all over the world flock to our country for a better life. Nowhere else do so many people from different backgrounds, races and ethnicities live together so peacefully, and that deserves celebrating.

We have a responsibility to ensure that tradition continues, but we have a greater responsibility to put the best interests of our citizens first by securing our borders and enforcing our laws first and foremost.

I love America -- I am grateful to be an American and I understand why others want to live in this great country. No one is saying don't come, we're just saying do it properly. Don't hop a fence, dig a tunnel or cut in line in front of countless folks who respect our laws enough to go through the process properly -- no matter how long it may take.

Respect our country enough to respect our laws.