The decisions we make in Washington have a direct impact on the people in our country, obviously.

We can have confidence in the long-term foundation of our economy ... I think the system basically is sound. I truly do.

Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me."

Each of us will figure out our own way.

It is clear our nation is reliant upon big foreign oil. More and more of our imports come from overseas.

Making sure every child can read, making sure that we encourage faith-based organizations ... when it comes to helping neighbors in need, making sure that our neighborhoods are safe, making sure that the state of Texas recognizes that people from all walks of life have got a shot at the Texas dream but, most importantly, making sure that government is not the answer to people's problems.

I know that the human being and the fish can coexist peacefully.