Speech By: Rev. Philip Parker

dr. philip j. parker from calvary baptist church in portsmouth, virginia. the guest chaplain: let us pray. lord of our lives, i stand before you this day in the presence of those, who along with

our president and house of representatives, are responsible for the governance of our nation, and to a large extent the welfare of our world. i am acutely aware, dear lord, that they are grappling

with momentous issues in these challenging times at home and abroad. as on previous occasions throughout our nation's history, o lord, i believe thate stand in need of your divine guidance. we need the

kind of insight and wisdom that comes from on high. we need minds and hearts that are in tune with your spirit. we need a renewed sense of purpose which is founded upon those divinely ordained principles

that were established by our forefathers. so come now and guide the members of this senate in their deliberations this day. may their words and their actions reflect the mind and the heart of

Harry Reid:the one who loves us and who has redeemed us through his son in whose name we pray. amen. the presiding officer: please join me in recitinthe pledge of allegiance to the flag. i pledge allegiance

Speech By: Harry Reid