President Obama on the Resignation of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords
January 22, 2012
Following todays announcement from Rep. Gabrielle Giffords that she will be stepping down from Congress this week, President Obama said in a statement:
Gabby Giffords embodies the very best of what public service should be. Shes universally admired for qualities that transcend party or ideologya dedication to fairness, a willingness to listen to different ideas, and a tireless commitment to the work of perfecting our union.Thats why the people of Arizona chose Gabbyto speak and fight and stand up for them. Thats what brought her to a supermarket in Tucson last yearso she could carry their hopes and concerns to Washington. And we know it is with the best interests of her constituents in mind that Gabby has made the tough decision to step down from Congress.
Over the last year, Gabby and her husband Mark have taught us the true meaning of hope in the face of despair, determination in the face of incredible odds, and noweven after shes come so farGabby shows us what it means to be selfless as well.
Gabbys cheerful presence will be missed in Washington. But she will remain an inspiration to all whose lives she touchedmyself included. And Im confident that we havent seen the last of this extraordinary American.
read: http://www.barackobama.com/news/entry/president-obama-on-the-resignation-of-congresswoman-gabrielle-giffords