[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 6 (Tuesday, January 18, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E61]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          EXPRESSING SENSE OF HOUSE REGARDING ARIZONA SHOOTING

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 12, 2011

  Mr. SERRANO. Madam Speaker, it is with heartfelt sadness that today I 
remember those who lost their lives in this tragic shooting in Tucson, 
Arizona on January 8, 2011. I remember those who reacted with bravery 
in trying to stop the gunman. I remember those who were wounded and 
even now are fighting to recover from their wounds. I remember all of 
the family members who are struggling with great losses. Finally, I 
remember with hope for her speedy recovery, Representative Gabrielle 
Giffords.
  This is a sad time for our Nation, a time when we reflect on how all 
too often violence strikes and randomly takes some of our best and 
brightest. All of the lives that were lost were special to those who 
loved them--to their spouses and their children and their 
grandchildren. Judge John Roll was a public official serving our 
country with distinction and dedication. Christina Taylor Green was a 
young child with an interest in learning more about how government 
works. I hope that in the future our children will be able to meet with 
their representatives without endangering their lives.
  As a Member of Congress who has worked with Representative Giffords, 
I am especially touched by this senseless tragedy. Representative 
Giffords is a very friendly, hard working colleague. She is someone who 
is easy to get along with and always willing to chat and lend a helping 
hand. She was doing what is expected of all of us who represent our 
constituents--we meet with our constituents and we listen to their 
concerns and we try to help them. That is what we were elected to do--
and so it is especially hard to see that one of our own was injured 
while doing--what we all do--our job.
  Please let me conclude by saying that my thoughts and prayers are 
with all of those who died or were injured and with the families who 
loved them. My prayers are with Representative Giffords as she recovers 
and my hope is that soon she will be back with us here in the House of 
Representatives where she belongs.

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