1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I was a child during the 1976 Bicentennial. My mother served on our community’s Bicentennial committee, and I remember how it felt across the country at that time. It wasn’t confined to one political party or one message. It was genuinely national in scope—schools, neighborhoods, cities, and states participated. People had a shared sense that they were marking something larger than themselves. That experience shaped my expectations for what a 250th anniversary of the United States might be. I did not come to this moment expecting an idealized or uncomplicated celebration. I came to it after years of watching increasing polarization and growing distrust in government institutions. Like many Americans, I am not approaching this anniversary from a place of optimism. I am approaching it from a place of exhaustion and uncertainty about whether our public institutions still function in service of the public good. Because of that, I had hoped the 250th anniversary might offer something different—not a political project, but a national moment of reflection. Something that acknowledges our history honestly while still giving Americans something shared to recognize and take pride in. Instead, I have seen what appears to be a fragmented and politicized approach to this milestone, including concerns about how federal funds are being allocated, what projects are being prioritized, and who is benefiting from them. I am requesting full transparency regarding all taxpayer dollars connected to America’s 250th anniversary initiatives, including contracts, vendors, and deliverables. This is not a minor concern. It is a matter of public trust. The American people deserve to know exactly how public funds are being spent during a historic national commemoration. I am also deeply concerned about how our public lands and national heritage sites are being treated in the broader context of current federal policy decisions. This includes federal land-use and infrastructure decisions along the U.S.–Mexico border, including areas near Big Bend National Park, where I am concerned about long-term environmental impact and the preservation of protected land. It also includes changes and proposals affecting iconic public spaces in Washington, D.C., such as the National Mall and the Tidal Basin, where even well-intentioned development or redesign can have lasting consequences for historic landscapes that belong to all Americans. These are not isolated concerns. They reflect a broader pattern in which public lands, historic sites, and national symbols are increasingly shaped by political priorities rather than long-term stewardship. My request is straightforward: Congress should conduct full oversight of all federal spending related to America’s 250th anniversary and any associated initiatives, and should also ensure that federal agencies are meeting their responsibility to protect and preserve public lands and historic sites during this period. The 250th anniversary of the United States should be something that brings the country together. It should be an opportunity to reflect on our history honestly and to invest in the places and institutions that represent the American people. Right now, I am not seeing that. I am seeing fragmentation, opacity, and decisions that raise serious questions about stewardship and accountability. Even if the answers are uncomfortable, the American people deserve transparency. We deserve clarity. And we deserve a national commemoration that reflects public service rather than political messaging. I am asking you to take this seriously, exercise your oversight responsibilities, and ensure that America’s 250th anniversary is handled with the accountability and respect that such a milestone demands.