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.
Our work to provide equal opportunities for all Americans should be a year-round mission.
But through world wars and a Great Depression, through painful social upheaval and a Cold War, and now through the attacks of September 11, 2001, our Nation has indeed survived.
Wilderness designations should not be the result of a quid pro quo. They should rise or fall on their own merits.
Peace cannot come from punishing the Palestinian people.
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.