On the recordJanuary 12, 2011
Let me preface my remarks by saying I barely know Gabby. As a freshman Member of the House, I was sworn in last week with a lot of colleagues I hope to get to know over the coming days. But I rise today in concert with my friends and colleagues on both sides of the aisle to express the sadness and grief that all in our country feel over the loss of life in Tucson this past weekend. The citizens of South Carolina mourn with our Nation, and we lift up in prayer the family and friends of the victims in Arizona. Much of the coverage and attention has been centered around our wounded colleague, Gabby. My family and I join in praying for her healing, and for the others who have been wounded. I also want to celebrate the lives of the six who were lost: 9-year-old Christina Taylor Green, an inspiration to us all; Judge John Roll; congressional staffer Gabriel Zimmerman; Pastor Dorwan Stoddard; Dorothy Morris; and Phyllis Schneck. While we mourn their loss, we also remember what they meant to their families, their friends, and to their communities. I join with all of my fellow Americans in honoring their lives and in praying that God's comfort may rest upon their families. May God bless them and may He continue to bless America.
