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

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

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.

Madam Speaker, I have spent more than half my life as a member of the Resources Committee. In that time I have supported numerous wilderness designations. In fact, I cannot recall ever opposing a wilderness bill.

With that in mind and in celebration of National Prayer Day, today I have proposed in the House of Representatives a Constitutional Amendment that would restore voluntary prayer in our Nation's schools.

Simply put, I believe we should not seek the lowest common denominator when it comes to wilderness and saddle a wilderness designation with exceptions, exclusions, and exemptions.

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