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Rep. LaMalfa Celebrates the Anniversary of the Bill of Rights

December 15, 2015

Washington, DC – Rep. LaMalfa today released the following statement in celebration of the two hundred and twenty fourth anniversary of the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution that became effective on December 15, 1791.

"Today marks a historic day for our nation. On this very day two hundred and twenty four years ago, ten of the proposed amendments to the Constitution of the United States were ratified by the states, forming the Bill of Rights. Including the right to free speech and religion, the right to bear arms, the right to privacy, the right to a fair trial, and the right of states to self-govern, these amendments helped form the foundation of a federal Republic with limited powers.

"Sadly, the Bill of Rights could be dissolved to mere pen strokes on a page unless we resolve in America to work to preserve it each day, and I don't mean simply preserving it in the National Archives down the street. I mean we must preserve these rights in the legislation we pass, in the conduct of our government, and in our actions as citizens of this great nation.

"The Bill of Rights isn't just a snap shot in time, but must remain as a way of life here in America. However, maintaining these rights requires our vigilance. Freedom is fragile, and God forbid that we ever take our rights for granted, or that these amendments become just a dusty historical document instead of principles to protect. I remain grateful for the opportunity to do just that in Congress."

Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing California's First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties.

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