Expressing Sense of House Regarding Arizona Shooting

Floor Speech

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Mr. SCHWEIKERT. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution.

It is with a heavy heart that I come to the floor today to offer these thoughts on the tragic events of this past Saturday in Tucson that took the lives of Judge John M. Roll, Christina Taylor Green, Dorwin Stoddard, Dorothy Morris, Gabe Zimmerman, and Phyllis Schneck and gravely injured Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and many others.

Just last week my wife Joyce and I had the opportunity to visit with Gabby in Statuary Hall before the ceremonial swearing-in.

As in so many of my other interactions with her, Gabby was gracious, energetic, and willing to offer a lending hand as I got settled.

We took a few photos and talked about ways we would work together in good spirits. Of course, Gabby and I also went back-and-forth about our favorite rivalry, ASU versus U of A.

Gabby takes enormous pride in her job representing the communities and people of the 8th district.

My wife Joyce and I send our thoughts and prayers to Mark during this difficult time. We are deeply appreciative of Mark's generosity in sharing Gabby with us in Washington and Arizona.

It is also important to not forget that these individuals lost their lives or were injured while they were exercising their right to participate and have a say in our nation's republic.

Indeed, they became victims while exercising a fundamental right that has served as the backbone of our nation since its founding--a right our nation's founders sacrificed so dearly for. Just as the victims of this past Saturday's tragedy did as well.

We are stunned by the tragedy, but we remain resolute in our commitment assemble peacefully and engage civilly in the type of discourse that is fundamental to our republic.

Although words may not be sufficient to capture the sorrow and grief we are experiencing, Joyce and I send our thoughts and prayers to Gabby, Mark, Roxanna and John Green, the parents of Christina Taylor Green and the loved ones of Judge Roll, Dorwin Stoddard, Dorothy Morris, Gabe Zimmerman, Phyllis Schneck, and the Tucson community.

Our hearts and prayers are with you.

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