On the recordJanuary 12, 2011
I rise today in support of this resolution. The thoughts and prayers of Florida's Second Congressional District I deliver. Our hearts are broken over the events of Saturday. We want to deliver today our thoughts especially to those families who lost their loved ones, the six families who are today memorializing them and planning those details. I also want to make sure that I express my appreciation for the short time that I had a privilege of speaking with Representative Giffords. Last Thursday, shortly after we were sworn in, I walked just outside the floor. She met me outside, and she extended her hand to me. And she said, 'Hello, I am Gabby Giffords. You must be new.' And I said, 'Well, I am new. I am Steve Southerland.' She goes, 'Where are you from, Steve?' And I said, 'Florida.' She said, 'Let me introduce you to some people that will help you.' And she walked down the hall and out to the steps, and she introduced me to numerous, numerous floor staff. I did not have any other encounter with her except for that 5-minute brief time. And on Saturday, when I learned of the events that had occurred in Tucson, it was with horror that I got home, and I turned on the television, and I realized that it was that wonderful, sweet person who with kindness and gentleness introduced me to the staff.
