Expressing Sense of House Regarding Arizona Shooting

Floor Speech

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Ms. NORTON. I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Madam Speaker, a gunman has underestimated the will and undaunted bravery of GABBY GIFFORDS.

Tragically, we have lost Gabe Zimmerman, her director of community outreach; her constituents; Judge John Roll; Christina Taylor Green; Phyllis Schneck; Dorwan Stoddard; and Dorothy Morris, all of whom were engaged in the very civic activities we most encourage, along with 13 others who were injured along with Congresswoman Giffords.

Together, these Americans have brought this House together as never before for a much needed time of reflection. I am heartbroken for all who were in the line of fire and for their families.

I focus now on GABBY because I cannot get her out of my consciousness. I am trying to understand her prescient fearlessness of her own safety in the days before the attempt on her life given what has happened to civil discourse in our country.

Can GABBY's selflessness and her concerns for our country give us the fortitude to follow her example in assuming that it is not the safety of Members that is at risk? Do we dare follow GABBY in her search for ways to be at once resolute and respectful?

Remarkable courage and determination have made Gabrielle Giffords the living manifestation of what Members of this institution and the citizens of our great country want to be. May GABBY GIFFORDS' words prove as contagious as her courage.

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