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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.