On January 25, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) resigned from Congress amid an emotional farewell. Rep. Giffords was surrounded by a number of her colleagues in the House as she tendered her resignation to Speaker John Boehner (R-OH). On January 8, 2011, Rep. Giffords was seriously wounded during an attack at a town hall meeting she was hosting in her district.
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), a close friend of Rep. Giffords, said, “I am so proud of my friend, and it will always be one of the great treasures of my life to have met Gabby Giffords and to have served with her in this body.” She added, “The most important thing to remember is that no matter what we argue about here on this floor or in this country, there is nothing more important than family and friendship, and that should be held high above all else. I will always carry that in my heart, and even though I know we won’t see each other every day, Gabby, we’ll be friends for life – for life.”
Speaking on her behalf, Rep. Wasserman Schultz read Rep. Giffords’ resignation letter, which said, in part, “The only way I ever served my district in Congress was by giving 100 percent. This past year, that’s what I have given to my recovery. Thank you for your patience. From my first steps and first words after being shot, to my current physical and speech therapy, I have given all of myself to being able to walk back onto the House floor this year to represent Arizona’s Eighth Congressional District. However, today I know that now is not the time. I have more work to do on my recovery before I can again serve in elected office.”
“I know I speak for all of my colleagues when I say we are inspired, hopeful, and blessed for the incredible progress that Gabby has made in her recovery,” said Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA). He continued, “Gabby’s courage, her strength, and her downright fortitude are an inspiration to all of us and all Americans. As Gabby leaves the House today, Mr. Speaker, she has decided to focus her energies on recovery, but she has refused to give up her fight for the people of her beloved Arizona and her country…For the past six years, Congresswoman Gabby Giffords has served Arizona’s Eighth District with dedication and dignity. I want to recognize her accomplishments here and thank her staff for their exceptional service, dedication, and, yes, courage during these difficult times.”
Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), said, “When she came to Congress and in her service and leadership here, Gabby Giffords brought to Washington and the Capitol the views of a new generation of national leader. From this floor, she has spoken out courageously and led boldly at times that demanded both. Since the tragic events of one year ago, CongresswomanGiffords has become an inspiring symbol of determination and courage to millions of Americans. She has brought the word ‘dignity’ to new heights by her courage…She is our friend. We look at her remarkable recovery with great pride. She also carries in her need for recovery the sorrow of so many others who lost their lives [that] day.”
The full text of Rep. Giffords’ letter follows.
January 25, 2012
Hon. John Boehner
Speaker of the House
The Capitol
Washington, DC
Dear Speaker Boehner: In 2001, strongly holding the belief that there is no higher calling than serving my country, I went from selling tires in my Tucson family business to being a freshman representative in the Arizona State House. And for ten years I served – in the Arizona legislature, in the United States Congress, and, after marrying Mark, as a proud military spouse. Always I fought for what I thought was right. But never did I question the character of those with whom I disagreed. Never did I let pass an opportunity to join hands with someone just because he or she held different ideals.
In public service, I found a venue for my pursuit of a stronger America – by ensuring the safety and security of all Americans, by producing clean energy here at home instead of importing oil from abroad, and by honoring our brave men and women in uniform with the benefits they earned. I found a way to care for others. And in the past year, I have found a value that is unbreakable even by the most vicious of attacks.
The tragic January 8th shooting in Tucson took the lives of six beautiful Americans and wounded 13 others, me included. Not a day goes by that I don’t feel grief for the lives lost and so many others torn apart. Christina-Taylor Green, Dorothy Morris, John Roll, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan Stoddard, and Gabe Zimmerman embodied the best of America. Each in their own way, they committed their lives to serving their families, community and country, and they died performing a basic but important act of citizenship that’s at the heart of our greatness as a nation. They will be remembered always by their country and by their Congress.
I don’t remember much from that terrible day, but I have never forgotten my constituents, my colleagues, or the millions of Americans with whom I share great hopes for this nation. To all of them: Thank you for your prayers, your cards, your well wishes, and your support. And even as I have worked to regain my speech, thank you for your faith in my ability to be your voice.
The only way I ever served my district in Congress was by giving 100 percent. This past year, that’s what I have given to my recovery. Thank you for your patience. From my first steps and first words after being shot to my current physical and speech therapy, I have given all of myself to being able to walk back onto the House floor this year to represent Arizona’s Eighth Congressional District. However, today I know that now is not the time. I have more work to do on my recovery before I can again serve in elected office.
This past year my colleagues and staff have worked to make sure my constituents were represented in Congress. But if I can’t return, my district deserves to elect a U.S. representative who can give 100 percent to the job now. For that reason, I have submitted the attached letter of resignation to Arizona Governor Jan Brewer.
Amid all that was lost on January 8th, there was also hope and faith. This past year, it is what I have often clung to: Hope that our government can represent the best of a nation, not the worst. Faith that Americans working together – in their communities, in our Congress – can succeed without qualification. Hope and faith that even as we are set back by tragedy or profound disagreement, in the end we come together as Americans to set a course toward greatness.
Every day, I am working hard. I will recover and will return, and we will work together again, for Arizona and for all Americans.
Sincerely,
Gabrielle Giffords
Member of Congress
