This Independence Day, we’ll hear a lot about patriotism and American strength abroad. But to me, as a retired Marine, real independence also means protecting our people here at home — not leaving working families vulnerable to rising energy costs, foreign oil markets and preventable crises. Right now, veterans and families across Arizona are facing skyrocketing utility bills. And if conflict in the Middle East escalates, gas prices could spike again. The last thing we need is another hit to household budgets.