On the recordJanuary 12, 2011
I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise on this sad day to join my colleagues in recognizing the lives of those affected by the horrible tragedy in Tucson, Arizona, this past weekend. As we reflect on this tragic event, the one thing that must be remembered is that our colleague from Arizona, Congresswoman Giffords, was simply doing her job, a job that she loves to do. Meeting with her constituents and providing them with assistance is the basic duty of any Member of Congress. The best and only way for Members of Congress to carry out their oaths is to be with, listen to, and see what our constituents are experiencing. The nameplates on the front of our offices read ``Representative.'' Congresswoman Giffords was doing just as we do day in and day out--representing our citizens at home and here in Washington. The loss of life and injury suffered by the victims will always be remembered by this body. Whether it was Federal Judge John Roll; Gabe Zimmerman, Congresswoman Giffords' staff member; or 9-year-old Christina Taylor Green, all of those who lost their lives or who were injured will hold a special place in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers. We cannot let this random act of heinous violence deter us from our duty to serve our constituents, and I know we will move forward together as a stronger united House.
