David Loebsack: “I join my colleagues, my constituents, and all Americans in mourning for those who lost their lives in this weekend's…”

“I join my colleagues, my constituents, and all Americans in mourning for those who lost their lives in this weekend's heinous event and in praying for those, including our dear friend and colleague, Congresswoman Giffords, who are fighting to recover. I have had the honor to serve with Gabby, like many in this body, on the Armed Services Committee since we were both elected in 2006, and I've always been struck by her intelligence and by her commitment to her constituents. When she and her constituents were attacked on Saturday, she was carrying out the most central of our responsibilities as elected representatives, and that is making ourselves available to our constituents. That this horrific attack occurred in the middle of a gathering that is the basis of our representative democracy is a reminder to us all that we must all remain constantly committed to upholding the principles upon which our great Nation was founded. ... our country's commitment to passionate debate is the heart of our democracy, but that debate must also be rooted in civil discourse and mutual respect.”