On the recordJanuary 12, 2011
I thank my friend from California. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 32. Last week, in an act of cowardly violence, our friend and colleague, Gabby Giffords, was gunned down at a public event intended to give her constituents a forum to express their opinions. While our Nation honors, mourns, and remembers those hurt and killed in this senseless tragedy, it is imperative that we strengthen our resolve as public servants to not let these acts deter us from the important work we do and from who we are. America was founded on the idea that the people have direct access to their elected representatives, and as long as I serve, I plan to continue that tradition. As Speaker Boehner so eloquently put it, no act, no matter how heinous, must be allowed to stop us from our duty. Our thoughts and prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords, her family, and all those who suffered from last week's events. Finally, God bless Gabby Giffords. God bless the victims of this tragedy. God bless this institution. And God bless the United States of America.
