Ted Deutch: “Just days ago, our nation was shaken by the brutal act of violence committed against Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords…”

“Just days ago, our nation was shaken by the brutal act of violence committed against Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and the constituents waiting in line to speak with her. The shots fired in Tuscon claimed the lives of several Americans, from a federal judge with decades of service to our country, to a young child participating in our great democracy for the very first time. Tragedies like this one tear at the fabric of our democracy, which is woven together by the everyday conversations that take place between ordinary people and those they elect to represent them in government. What started out as a routine morning in American political life--an elected representative listening to the thoughts and concerns of her community--ended in senseless bloodshed. As we pay tribute to those who fell victim to this violence, and as we pray for the swift recovery of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, we must also reaffirm ourselves to the work being done that morning before those shots rang out. Congresswoman Giffords enjoys such respect in this body not only because of her intellect and warmth but also because of her commitment to directly engaging with people. She believed--and every day put into action--that with sincere, hard work we can forge common ground, in our communities and as a nation.”