Buckeye Reporter

Senator Jon Husted (R-Ohio) delivered his first speech on the Senate floor, focusing on themes of sacrifice, national debt, and patriotism. Drawing from his upbringing in rural Ohio, Husted reflected on the values he witnessed in his community.

“What I saw growing up in rural Ohio was simple but powerful, and it characterized communities throughout our country, too: People worked long hours, forfeiting comfort and leisure, all so that their families—especially their children—could enjoy more security and prosperity than they had,” Husted said.

He noted a shift in American culture during his lifetime. “This American ethos endured for most of our history, but I believe something shifted in our culture around the time I was born.”

Husted contrasted past attitudes with what he described as a new cultural mood. “A nation that once rallied around sacrifice—in war, in rebuilding, in laying foundations for the future—gave way to a new cultural mood.”

Addressing fiscal issues, Husted cited changes in the national debt over time. “In 1967, when I was born, the national debt stood at $330 billion. Today, it’s $36 trillion—more than 100 times greater, even after adjusting for inflation. In 2024 alone, we ran a $1.8 trillion deficit. A baby born in America today inherits a $106,000 share of that national debt on day one.”

He emphasized personal values as guiding principles for public service. “The answer comes down to identifying what we value—and what we think is worth our sacrifice.

“For me, that’s my family and my country. I love them both. And I know many of you share those same sentiments.”

Husted called for renewed patriotism among Americans and teaching future generations about national ideals.

“That’s why it’s crucial and consequential that we remind ourselves—and instruct our children—to love this country. Remind ourselves that the pattern and promise of American liberty forged a noble, innovative nation that is worth loving. And worth fighting for.”

He added: “This country is exceptional. There are none like it in the world. And we must teach the next generation what our countrymen sacrificed to secure—and why this nation is worth loving with an active and enduring patriotism.

“Loving America doesn’t mean agreeing with every policy or politician. It’s not required.

“But it does require being confident in the idea of America—and being willing to sacrifice for the cause of our nation.

“Not in the abstract, but in real ways.

“By being good stewards of what was handed down to us.

“And honoring those who came before us by adopting their discipline.”

Reflecting on his own background as an adoptee raised with certain core values he stated: “I was blessed to be adopted into a loving home where they taught me faith, family, freedom and hard work are the most reliable antidotes to poverty and despair the world has ever known.

“We are still a nation where a newborn can begin life in a foster home in Detroit, grow up in the rural Midwest, and have the honor of serving as a United States Senator.”

Husted concluded by pledging commitment to public service grounded in responsibility: “To my colleagues and constituents: Count me in as one who is willing to do my part to work hard, forgo convenience and reinforce the chain that will sustain our nation for future generations. I will listen to your ideas, and I hope you’ll listen to mine.

“I will operate from the principal belief that we must elevate liberty and personal responsibility above expedience and entitlement—and that our children should not have to pay the price for our lack of discipline.”

He ended with an invocation: “Consider this my prayer for our nation. May God work through us to make it so.”