Pelosi Floor Remarks on Resignation of Congresswoman Gabby Giffords
Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi led a tribute on the House floor today to Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. Below are the Leader’s remarks.
“Mr. Speaker, all of us come to the floor today, colleagues of Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, to salute her as the brightest start among us, the brightest star Congress has ever seen.
“When she came to Congress, and in her service and leadership here, Gabby Giffords brought to Washington, the Capitol, views of a new generation of national leader. From this floor, she has spoken out courageously and led boldly in times that demanded both.
“Since the tragic events of one year ago, Congresswoman Giffords 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.
“Congresswoman Giffords’ message of bipartisanship and civility is one that all in Washington and in the nation should honor and emulate. As Gabby said in her video, which moved us all so much this weekend, ‘We can do so much more by working together.’
“In that vein, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank you for courtesies extended to enable this extraordinary ceremony to take place today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
“And with your permission, I’d like to acknowledge Gabby’s mother who is with us today, Gloria, and her father, Spencer, who is watching from Tucson.
“We thank you, and we thank Commander Mark Kelly, a hero in his own right, as an astronaut, and a commander of a mission. But also, our personal hero for the care and love that he has given to Gabby over this past year and before that, to help make her, as Gloria and Spencer have, the person that she is.
“I join all, I think all of our colleagues join in thanking you, Gabby, for the honor of calling you colleague and wishing you and Mark much happiness and success.
“You will be missed in the House of Representatives, but your legacy in this Congress and your leadership in our nation will certainly endure.
“So, thank you for being who you are, for lifting our country at a very important and sad time, and we wish you, again, much success. With great gratitude, admiration and affection, we salute you, Congresswoman Gabby Giffords.”
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