Wilderness designations should not be the result of a quid pro quo. They should rise or fall on their own merits.

As a people of faith, we know that prayer is a powerful instrument. And as one Nation under God, we know that many times our most powerful tool is prayer.

Today, our actions must be motivated only by our intense desire to achieve a just and lasting peace. The compassion and charity of the American people should be reflected in this legislation, though sadly, they are silenced.

The President's announcement sounded less like a national energy plan than like a page from an election-year play book. This Administration's plan to reduce obscene oil company profits is to regulate them less.

The spirit of Christmas is - and hopefully always will be - about goodwill and generosity to others and peace on earth.

We all understand that compromise is part of the legislative process, yet at the same time, I would submit that wilderness is not for sale.

A resilient people cherishing liberty and equality and the rule of law will endure.