[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 9 (Monday, January 23, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E57]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE HONORABLE GABRIELLE GIFFORDS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 23, 2012

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
honor my friend and esteemed colleague, the Honorable Gabrielle 
Giffords.
  A little over a year ago an unfathomable tragedy occurred in Tucson, 
Arizona, where six individuals were killed in a shooting and several 
others were wounded, including Congresswoman Giffords. Congresswoman 
Giffords courage and recovery reminds us that freedom defines our 
society, and violence will not silence reason and discourse. 
Congresswoman Giffords unbreakable spirit is a lesson that fear will 
not drive us. Unity and the dedication to our democracy will help us 
rise above all adversity.
  The victims of this tragedy were individuals who were committed to 
the well-being of their community. They had gathered that Saturday 
morning a year ago in Tucson to discuss making their community and our 
world a better place. It is in good spirit that before Congresswoman 
Giffords resigns she has chosen to finish what she started by holding a 
private gathering in Tucson with some of the people who were at present 
that tragic day a year ago.
  As Ranking Member on the House Committee on Science, Space and 
Technology I have worked with Congresswoman Giffords closely for the 
past five years, where she served as both the Chairwoman and Ranking 
Member of the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee. She has made an 
immeasurable contribution to our work on the Committee, and has been a 
steadfast champion of NASA and encouraging our next generation of 
scientists. She is one of the most devoted Members of the House of 
Representatives, and has served our country with distinction.
  Congresswoman Giffords is a shining example of our Democratic system 
of government--a system where we all have a voice. As she departs these 
hallowed halls of Congress, I take comfort from the fact that she is 
doing so to devote her energies to restoring her full health, and I 
wish her the best in her continuing recovery. She and her family will 
remain in my thoughts and prayers.
  I pray that we can rise together as a nation and embody those values 
of service that Congresswoman Giffords has personified.

                          ____________________