[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 24, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H131]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CHALLENGING US TO DO OUR BEST

  (Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome our 
colleague, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, Gabby Giffords, back home 
to this House, a place that she served ably and is serving ably today, 
to thank her for her courage and to thank her for accepting the 
challenge of what an American hero is. Many have called her that; for 
in the course of this enormous tragedy, she stood tall and still 
continues to do that today.
  I want to thank the medical professionals, the emergency medical 
professionals, and many in Houston, Texas, TIRR, one of the best 
renowned rehabilitation hospitals in the world.
  But most of all, as Congresswoman Giffords comes back, let us give as 
a gift, both on behalf of the American people and this Congress, that 
we can work together to improve the lives of all Americans. That I 
believe would be her challenge, and that would be her call. As she 
comes back today, serving the people of Arizona and serving the 
American people, we want to say: Thank you, Congresswoman, for your 
courage and for being a model for the American people and challenging 
us to do the best.

                          ____________________