On the recordJanuary 12, 2011
It is with a heavy heart today that I join my colleagues in paying respects to the victims of the senseless tragedy that took place last weekend in Arizona. I extend my prayers to the families of those who lost their lives, to the wounded, and the recovering, and to our dear colleague, Gabby Giffords. Gabby is an energetic Member of Congress who works and enjoys and treats all of those she meets with decency and kindness. I was here with her just last week while we read the United States Constitution on the floor of this House. Gabby so eloquently read from that bedrock of our democracy the First Amendment. In a direct reflection of her passion for interacting with those she represents, Gabby read of the established right of the people to peaceably assemble. All of those gathered in Tucson on Saturday were engaging in what should have been a peaceful activity that is absolutely fundamental to our form of government--spending time with the gentlelady who so proudly advocates on their behalf here in the United States House of Representatives. Among the fallen were Phyllis Schneck, a great-grandmother; Dorothy Morris, a devoted wife; Gabe Zimmerman, a public servant; John Roll, an honorable judge; Christina Taylor Green, a 9-year-old girl who just wanted to learn more about government; and Dorwan Stoddard, a man who gave his life protecting and saving his wife. They are all in our thoughts and prayers.
