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

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.

For hundreds of millions of Americans who believe in God, prayer is our bridge between Earth and Heaven, our way of opening our hearts to the Lord. Through this intimate relationship we find peace and guidance.

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.

Peace cannot come from punishing the Palestinian people.

Wilderness is not defined by the absence of certain activities, but rather by the presence of certain unique and invaluable characteristics.