[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 7 (Wednesday, January 19, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E69]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          EXPRESSING SENSE OF HOUSE REGARDING ARIZONA SHOOTING

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. DOC HASTINGS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 12, 2011

  Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Madam Speaker, first and foremost today, 
my thoughts and prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords, her staff, the 
other victims of the shooting and their families and friends.
  As Members of Congress, it is our duty and our privilege to reach out 
to our constituents to foster open discussions and exchanges of ideas. 
It's what makes this institution truly the people's House and it's one 
of the reasons many of us decided to run for office in the first place. 
Gabby was doing this work when this senseless tragedy occurred. A lone 
gunman interrupted a routine Congress on your Corner, killing six and 
wounding a dozen more, including our colleague Gabby.
  At this somber time, I would like to echo the words of Speaker 
Boehner, ``An attack on one who serves is an attack on all who serve.'' 
We cannot let the actions of one individual challenge one of the most 
basic tenets of our free society--the right to peaceably assemble. It 
is worth noting that Congresswoman Giffords read the first amendment to 
our Constitution here on the House floor just days before this tragic 
event.
  I look forward to the day when Congresswoman Giffords returns to the 
House floor to continue her work on behalf of the people of the eighth 
district of Arizona. In the meantime, my thoughts and prayers are with 
all affected by this unthinkable event.

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