“It’s a wake-up call–we have it very well here:” Idaho congressman refects on the World Cup and America at 250.

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - As the United States prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, the global spotlight from the World Cup is bringing a fresh perspective to the American experiment.

Local News 8 had a chance to catch up with Congressman Russ Fulcher from Idaho's 1st Congressional District, who says the influx of international tourists is serving as a reminder of what Americans often take for granted — from wide-open spaces to ranch dressing.

Fulcher says the global attention coincides perfectly with the nation's historic birthday.

"It's refreshing. I think it's one of those reminders for us. It's a wake-up call that, look, we have it very well here. This is the greatest nation in the world, the greatest nation in the history of the world. And we need to appreciate it. In the last 250 years, more prosperity has been created in the United States of America than every other nation in the history of the world combined."

America's historic milestone isn't the only birthday on the radar.

Fulcher also marked Idaho's 136th Statehood Day, happening July 3. Congressman Fulcher says he may be biased in believing Idaho is the greatest state in the country, citing Idaho's abundant natural resources and quality of life.