Fedorchak calls on Americans to embrace Theodore Roosevelt's Bully Spirit

Washington, D.C. - Ahead of America 250 and the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, ND, Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) delivered a speech on the House Floor honoring President Theodore Roosevelt's legacy and the profound influence North Dakota had in shaping his life. She encouraged Americans to embrace Roosevelt's Bully Spirit by choosing to "live courageously, serve faithfully, and leave our country stronger than we found it."

Below are her remarks as prepared for delivery:

"Mr. Speaker,

"As our nation celebrates America's 250th birthday, North Dakota has the extraordinary privilege of marking this milestone in a truly historic way.

"Tomorrow, on July 1, we open the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in the Badlands of western North Dakota, a place that forever shaped one of America's greatest presidents.

"First, I want to recognize the countless people whose vision, generosity, and determination made this remarkable library possible.

"They are too numerous to mention each individually. To the TR Presidential Library Foundation Board and its staff, donors, volunteers, community leaders, Secretary Doug Burgum, Robbie Lauf, Ed O'Keefe, Thank you.

"Because of your efforts, future generations will come to North Dakota to experience the place that shaped Theodore Roosevelt.

"Theodore Roosevelt famously said, 'I never would have been President if it had not been for my experiences in North Dakota.'

"He arrived in the Dakota Territory as a young man grieving unimaginable loss. He left transformed.

"The rugged landscape, the hardworking ranchers, and the independent spirit of the people he met there. These things forged the character that would later define his presidency.

"North Dakota didn't just change Theodore Roosevelt. North Dakota helped shape the leader who would shape America.

"Roosevelt embodied what he famously called the Bully Spirit-an expression of enthusiasm, optimism, courage, and confidence in America's future.

"He believed in living boldly, embracing challenges, and approaching life with energy and purpose.

"This is a spirit that has defined our nation for 250 years and one we should carry forward into the next 250.

"TR was a rancher, a soldier, a conservationist, he was a reformer, an explorer, an author, a statesman, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, and one of the most energetic presidents our nation has ever known.

"His life was filled with stories that have become American legend.

"After being shot while campaigning for president, Roosevelt refused to leave the stage. The bullet had been slowed by the thick manuscript of the speech folded inside his breast pocket.

"He insisted on finishing his remarks before seeking medical attention. His White House reflected that same fearless, determined, and adventurous spirit.

"His children filled it with dogs, snakes, birds, ponies, and every imaginable creature, they showed us that public service and joy are not mutually exclusive.

"Theodore Roosevelt lived a big life because he believed America was meant to dream big, build big, and accomplish big things.

"Interestingly, today's president carries some of these same qualities. At President Trump's 2025 inauguration, he said, 'In America, impossible is what we do best.'

"Consider some of the big accomplishments of Roosevelt: he strengthened our Navy, completed the Panama Canal, won the Nobel Peace Prize for negotiating peace between Russia and Japan, and changed the way we think about conservation by protecting public lands, forests, parks, and wildlife.

"But perhaps Roosevelt's greatest legacy wasn't simply what he accomplished. It was what he asked of every American.

"His words from 'The Man in the Arena' remain just as relevant today as when he first delivered them over a century ago.

"This strikes me so profoundly on the cusp of our 250^th birthday, when our country is so divided, so angry, and so critical of each other.

"Theodore Roosevelt gives us encouragement. 'It is not the critic who counts. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena.'

"Those words are a challenge to each of us, and every generation. To participate, to lead, to serve, and to have the courage to act rather than merely criticize.

"As we dedicate this remarkable library in my beautiful state of North Dakota during America's 250^th year, we are reminded that the strength of our republic has never come from spectators. It has always come from citizens willing to enter the arena.

"May every visitor who walks through the doors of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library leave inspired.

"Inspired by the example of this president whose character was forged in North Dakota, whose leadership strengthened America, and whose enduring message still calls each of us to live courageously, serve faithfully, and leave our country stronger than we found it.

"That is Theodore Roosevelt's legacy. That is the Bully Spirit. As we begin our nation's next 250 years, may it continue to inspire all of us.

"Thank you, and I yield back."