On the recordJanuary 12, 2011
I appreciate the opportunity to come together to express our sorrow and support for our friend and colleague, Gabby Giffords, and the 19 other victims of this senseless rampage. I cherish the time I spent with Gabby in Tucson to promote the livability of her community. There I've seen firsthand the respect Congresswoman Giffords commanded from the entire civic leadership. I witnessed the emotional connection between Gabby and her political supporters. They knew that she was somebody special, and you could see that she treated each and every one of them the same way. Then there is the bond between Gabby and her terrific team. It makes it so jarring, the loss of Gabe Zimmerman, the wounding of Rod Barber and Pam Simon of her office. Her outstanding staff is representative of the amazing men and women, over 10,000 in all, here on Capitol Hill and back home, who make the government process possible. They are like family, not just for Gabby. We must do all we can to protect the safety of staff and the employees who serve our country every day. Finally, this is about our relationship with Gabby and our responsibility to heal and repair. The path forward is illustrated by Gabby herself, the best example I know of someone who uses her intelligence, charm, passion, and commitment to bring people together.
