On the recordJanuary 12, 2011
The shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, and the killing and wounding of members of her staff and community attending her ``Congress on your Corner'' event, was a national tragedy. It is most appropriate that we speak out to share our sadness, sorrow and grief as well as our hopes for healing and recovery. I am encouraged that Gabby continues to defy the odds and is showing signs of progress. She is truly a survivor, with a strong will to live. I know that she faces a long and difficult path to recover from her injuries, and I hope that our support--together with the prayers and well wishes offered by the people of Arizona and indeed all of America--will help her and her family now and in the weeks and months ahead. Even as she copes with her own severe injuries, I am sure that Gabby is thinking of all the others who were killed and injured during the attack on her. Gabe Zimmerman, her director of community outreach, was killed. Two more members of her Congressional staff, Ron Barber and Pam Simon, were injured in the shooting. Congressional staff members help us, to help our constituents, but they often are not recognized or appreciated. Let us all remember that our staffers--and government workers generally--are committed to public service. They work hard, make many sacrifices, and they provide valuable, essential service.
