A free people, free to believe as we wish, free to speak our minds, free to raise our children as we see fit, will, make no mistake about it, endure.

I believe that the Framers of the Constitution made their intent clear when they wrote the First Amendment. I believe they wanted to keep the new government from endorsing one religion over another, not erase the public consciousness or common faith.

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

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

Over the last six years, airlines have experienced severe financial pressure to leave smaller communities, making demands on the EAS program even greater.

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.

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.