On the recordJanuary 12, 2011
It is with a heavy heart that I come to the floor today to offer these thoughts on this tragic event this past Saturday outside Tucson that took the lives of John M. Roll, Christina Taylor Green, Dorwan Stoddard, Dorothy Morris, Gabe Zimmerman, and Phyllis Schneck, and gravely injured our colleague, Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. It was just last week that my wife and I had the opportunity to visit with Gabby in Statuary Hall before the ceremonial swearing in. And as so many of you know, our interactions with her were gracious, energetic, and she was willing to help us as we were setting up our freshman office. We took a few photos. We talked about ways we could work together, and of course we engaged in the banter and teasing of Arizona's favorite rivalry, ASU versus U of A. Gabby takes enormous pride in the job in representing the communities of southern Arizona. And my wife and I send our thoughts and prayers to Mark during this difficult time. We deeply appreciate the gift Mark generously shares with all of us here in Washington and back in Arizona. It is also important not to forget the individuals who lost their lives or who were injured while they were exercising their right to participate and have a say in this Republic.
