Rear Adm. Barry Black:and police officers the right to unionize, live senate coverage now on c-span2. for the favor which you have given to humanity. we're grateful for the nobility you have placed in human hearts

Rear Adm. Barry Black:that enables us to toil until we pass the breaking point and still not break. thank you that you have enabled us to love, until even self is forgotten. thank you also for those who llingly sacrifice

Rear Adm. Barry Black:even life itself for the things they hold dear. thank you that goodness always haunts us and sin ever brings its remorse. thank you for the members of this legislative body, who labor to be your ambassadors

Rear Adm. Barry Black:of reconciliation in a divided world. may they commit their time, effort, and resources to formulate public policy in keeping with your will for our beloved tion. we pray in your great name. amen.

Rear Adm. Barry Black:the presiding officer: please join me in reciting the pledge of allegiance to the flag. i pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america and to the republic for which it stands, one nation

Harry Reid:under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. the presiding officer: the clerk will read a communication to the senate. the clerk: washington, d.c, may 14, 2008. to the senate: under the provisions