Rep. Gabrielle Giffords Sees Her Last Bill Pass, Says Farewell .Gabrielle Giffords on emotional last day in Congress, his colleagues unanimously to approve its border security bill, and his letter of resignation was read on the floor of the House.
Of Washington-
Stable in his sneakers and seize the helping hand of a colleague, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords walked on the floor as colleagues House approved its bill on border security on the day she retired from elected office.
Giffords has made its way down the aisle that divides Democrats and Republicans, a distinction of Arizona, member of Congress has tried to interfere with his moderate policy and good nature. Colleagues quickly wrapped his body slightly, offering a helping hand - or, more often, a kiss on the cheek. In ovation standing legislators.
Friends said the three-term Democrat has never been an objective to tackle halfway. It was natural, then, it ended his career Wednesday with a legislative victory. The House unanimously adopted the draft border security she had written.
Minority Leader, Nancy Pelosi, Giffords has called "the brightest star that Congress has ever seen."
"She brought" dignity "of the word to new heights by his courage," said Pelosi. "Congresswoman Giffords Message" of bipartisanship and civility is what everyone in Washington and the nation should honor and emulate. "
The MP was shot in the head a year ago when a gunman opened fire at a public event Giffords for constituents outside a grocery store in Tucson. Six people died and 12 others were injured in a rampage that legislators’ unstable and brought pleas for civility during an era of heated partisan politics.
His last day of the Congress was bittersweet, as colleagues’ emotional farewell to the beloved 41 years they call Gabby. She said Sunday she would resign to focus on his recovery.
Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.), the majority leader, said that "while Gabby may be leaving Washington today, I know it will not be the last we see of her."
Giffords mother, Gloria, watched from the gallery home with the husband of the member, the retiree astronautMark E. Kelly. His father looked Tucson. The room was mostly full, and staff ringed the back line.
At one point, Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.), the minority whip, who called Giffords "an extraordinary girl in this House," he said, "We have missed."
Giffords, who had turned back in his chair to see his colleague, replied, "And I miss you."
The legislation approved Wednesday would impose stiffer penalties for those who use ultra-light aircraft for drug smuggling. Officials believe that the planes are carrying drugs in the United States from Mexico with increasing frequency. The bill, introduced this week by Giffords and Rep. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), aims to fill a gap that impose lesser penalties on smugglers using ultra lights on those who use cars or conventional aircraft.
It went from 408 to 0, with Giffords casting his final vote.
The rapid approval offered a goodwill gesture of his colleagues Giffords. “A bill similar Giffords drew bipartisan support in the last session of Congress, but died in the Senate, where colleagues are committed to quickly approve it.
Giffords resigned effective at the close of business on Wednesday.
One of his best friends in Congress, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), in tears, read a letter of resignation on the table of the House, with Giffords at his side and surrounded by other Arizona lawmakers.
"As I worked to regain my speech, I thank you for having faith in my ability to be your voice," Giffords wrote to his colleagues and constituents. "I gave all of myself to be able to walk back room on the ground this year to represent Arizona's 8th Congressional District. But today, I know this is not the time.
"I will recover and be back," says the letter.
With this, Giffords climbed the steps of the rostrum of the House to deliver the letter to the House SpeakerJohn A. Boehner (R-Ohio), who embraced his colleague and wiped the tears from his eyes.
Of Washington-
Stable in his sneakers and seize the helping hand of a colleague, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords walked on the floor as colleagues House approved its bill on border security on the day she retired from elected office.
Giffords has made its way down the aisle that divides Democrats and Republicans, a distinction of Arizona, member of Congress has tried to interfere with his moderate policy and good nature. Colleagues quickly wrapped his body slightly, offering a helping hand - or, more often, a kiss on the cheek. In ovation standing legislators.
Friends said the three-term Democrat has never been an objective to tackle halfway. It was natural, then, it ended his career Wednesday with a legislative victory. The House unanimously adopted the draft border security she had written.
Minority Leader, Nancy Pelosi, Giffords has called "the brightest star that Congress has ever seen."
"She brought" dignity "of the word to new heights by his courage," said Pelosi. "Congresswoman Giffords Message" of bipartisanship and civility is what everyone in Washington and the nation should honor and emulate. "
The MP was shot in the head a year ago when a gunman opened fire at a public event Giffords for constituents outside a grocery store in Tucson. Six people died and 12 others were injured in a rampage that legislators’ unstable and brought pleas for civility during an era of heated partisan politics.
His last day of the Congress was bittersweet, as colleagues’ emotional farewell to the beloved 41 years they call Gabby. She said Sunday she would resign to focus on his recovery.
Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.), the majority leader, said that "while Gabby may be leaving Washington today, I know it will not be the last we see of her."
Giffords mother, Gloria, watched from the gallery home with the husband of the member, the retiree astronautMark E. Kelly. His father looked Tucson. The room was mostly full, and staff ringed the back line.
At one point, Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.), the minority whip, who called Giffords "an extraordinary girl in this House," he said, "We have missed."
Giffords, who had turned back in his chair to see his colleague, replied, "And I miss you."
The legislation approved Wednesday would impose stiffer penalties for those who use ultra-light aircraft for drug smuggling. Officials believe that the planes are carrying drugs in the United States from Mexico with increasing frequency. The bill, introduced this week by Giffords and Rep. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), aims to fill a gap that impose lesser penalties on smugglers using ultra lights on those who use cars or conventional aircraft.
It went from 408 to 0, with Giffords casting his final vote.
The rapid approval offered a goodwill gesture of his colleagues Giffords. “A bill similar Giffords drew bipartisan support in the last session of Congress, but died in the Senate, where colleagues are committed to quickly approve it.
Giffords resigned effective at the close of business on Wednesday.
One of his best friends in Congress, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), in tears, read a letter of resignation on the table of the House, with Giffords at his side and surrounded by other Arizona lawmakers.
"As I worked to regain my speech, I thank you for having faith in my ability to be your voice," Giffords wrote to his colleagues and constituents. "I gave all of myself to be able to walk back room on the ground this year to represent Arizona's 8th Congressional District. But today, I know this is not the time.
"I will recover and be back," says the letter.
With this, Giffords climbed the steps of the rostrum of the House to deliver the letter to the House SpeakerJohn A. Boehner (R-Ohio), who embraced his colleague and wiped the tears from his eyes.
