[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 1]
[House]
[Pages 262-279]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          EXPRESSING SENSE OF HOUSE REGARDING ARIZONA SHOOTING

  Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that it shall be 
in order at any time on the legislative day of January 12, 2011, to 
consider in the House without intervention of any point of order a 
resolution relating to recent events in Tucson, Arizona, if offered by 
the Speaker or his designee; such resolution shall be debatable for 6 
hours equally divided and controlled by the majority leader and the 
minority leader or their respective designees; and the previous 
question shall be considered as ordered on such resolution and any 
preamble thereto to final adoption without intervening motion.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Virginia?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. BOEHNER. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the order of the House of 
today, I offer a resolution (H. Res. 32) expressing the sense of the 
House of Representatives with respect to the tragic shooting in Tucson, 
Arizona, on January 8, 2011, and ask for its immediate consideration in 
the House.
  The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:

                               H. Res. 32

       Whereas on January 8, 2011, an armed gunman opened fire at 
     a ``Congress on your Corner'' event hosted by Representative 
     Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson, Arizona, killing 6 and wounding 
     at least 14 others;
       Whereas Christina Taylor Green, Dorothy Morris, John Roll, 
     Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan Stoddard, and Gabriel Zimmerman lost 
     their lives in this attack;
       Whereas Christina Taylor Green, the 9-year-old daughter of 
     John and Roxanna Green, was born on September 11, 2001, and 
     was a third grader with an avid interest in government who 
     was recently elected to the student council at Mesa Verde 
     Elementary School;
       Whereas Dorothy Morris, who was 76 years old, attended the 
     January 8 event with

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     George, her husband of over 50 years with whom she had 2 
     daughters, and who was also critically injured as he tried to 
     shield her from the shooting;
       Whereas John Roll, a Pennsylvania native who was 63 years 
     old, began his professional career as a bailiff in 1972, was 
     appointed to the Federal bench in 1991, and became chief 
     judge for the District of Arizona in 2006, and was a devoted 
     husband to his wife Maureen, father to his 3 sons, and 
     grandfather to his 5 grandchildren;
       Whereas Phyllis Schneck, a proud mother of 3, grandmother 
     of 7, and great-grandmother from New Jersey, was spending the 
     winter in Arizona, and was a 79-year-old church volunteer and 
     New York Giants fan;
       Whereas Dorwan Stoddard, a 76-year-old retired construction 
     worker and volunteer at the Mountain Avenue Church of Christ, 
     is credited with shielding his wife Mavy, a longtime friend 
     whom he married while they were in their 60s, who was also 
     injured in the shooting;
       Whereas Gabriel Matthew Zimmerman, who was 30 years old and 
     engaged to be married, served as Director of Community 
     Outreach to Representative Gabrielle Giffords, and was a 
     social worker before serving with Representative Giffords;
       Whereas Representative Gabrielle Giffords was a target of 
     this attack, and remains in critical condition at an Arizona 
     hospital;
       Whereas 13 others were also wounded in the shooting, 
     including Ron Barber and Pamela Simon, both staffers to 
     Representative Giffords; and
       Whereas several individuals, including Patricia Maisch, 
     Army Col. Bill Badger (Retired), who was also wounded in the 
     shooting, Roger Sulzgeber, Joseph Zimudio, and Daniel 
     Hernandez, Jr., helped apprehend the gunman and assist the 
     injured, thereby risking their lives for the safety of 
     others, and should be commended for their bravery: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) condemns in the strongest possible terms the horrific 
     attack which occurred at the ``Congress on your Corner'' 
     event hosted by Representative Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson, 
     Arizona, on January 8, 2011;
       (2) offers its heartfelt condolences to the families, 
     friends, and loved ones of those who were killed in that 
     attack;
       (3) expresses its hope for the rapid and complete recovery 
     of those wounded in the shooting;
       (4) honors the memory of Christina Taylor Green, Dorothy 
     Morris, John Roll, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan Stoddard, and 
     Gabriel Zimmerman;
       (5) applauds the bravery and quick thinking exhibited by 
     those individuals who prevented the gunman from potentially 
     taking more lives and helped to save those who had been 
     wounded;
       (6) recognizes the service of the first responders who 
     raced to the scene and the health care professionals who 
     tended to the victims once they reached the hospital, whose 
     service and skill saved lives;
       (7) reaffirms the bedrock principle of American democracy 
     and representative government, which is memorialized in the 
     First Amendment of the Constitution and which Representative 
     Gabrielle Giffords herself read in the Hall of the House of 
     Representatives on January 6, 2011, of ``the right of the 
     people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government 
     for a redress of grievances'';
       (8) stands firm in its belief in a democracy in which all 
     can participate and in which intimidation and threats of 
     violence cannot silence the voices of any American;
       (9) honors the service and leadership of Representative 
     Gabrielle Giffords, a distinguished member of this House, as 
     she courageously fights to recover; and
       (10) when adjourning today, shall do so out of respect to 
     the victims of this attack.

                              {time}  1010

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the order of the House of today, 
the resolution shall be debatable for 6 hours equally divided and 
controlled by the majority leader and the minority leader or their 
designees.
  The gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cantor) and the gentleman from 
Arizona (Mr. Pastor) each will control 3 hours.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Virginia.
  Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the Speaker of the 
House, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner).
  Mr. BOEHNER. Madam Speaker and my colleagues, today we are called 
here to mourn.
  An unspeakable act of violence has taken six innocent lives, and left 
several more--including our colleague, Gabrielle Giffords--battling for 
theirs. These are difficult hours for our country.
  Among the fallen is Gabe Zimmerman, a member of Congresswoman 
Giffords' staff--a public servant of the highest caliber--one of our 
own. Even in our shock, we are composed and determined to fulfill our 
calling to represent our constituents. This is the great cause for 
which Gabe gave his life.
  Like us, Gabe swore an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution. At 
the time of the attack, he was engaged in the most simple and direct of 
democratic rituals: listening to the people, listening to his 
neighbors.
  The brutality that shattered Saturday morning's calm was devastating, 
but brief. Bravery and quick thinking prevented a larger massacre, 
turning innocent bystanders into heroes.
  The service and skill of first responders and medical professionals 
saved lives. Law enforcement officials are working to ensure swift 
justice. Look to Tucson right now, and you will be reminded that 
America's most plentiful source of wealth and strength is her people.
  We are so thankful Gabby is still with us. We are so thankful that 
two of her staffers who were also wounded--Ron Barber and Pam Simon--
are still with us as well.
  In her stead, Gabby's staff has pressed on, opening for business 
Monday morning right on schedule. The men and women who faithfully 
serve the people of Arizona's Eighth Congressional District have 
signaled that no act--no matter how heinous--will stop us from doing 
our duty and being among the people we serve.
  To all of the dedicated professionals that we rely on to make this 
institution work, to each of you: thank you for what you do. And to 
Gabby's staff--and their families: please know that our hearts and 
prayers go out to each of you.
  This body has yet to fully register the magnitude of this tragedy. We 
feel a litany of unwanted emotions no resolution could possibly 
capture.
  We know that we gather here without distinction of party. The needs 
of this institution have always risen above partisanship. And what this 
institution needs right now is strength--holy, uplifting strength. The 
strength to grieve with the families of the fallen, to pray for the 
wounded, and to chart a way forward, no matter how painful and 
difficult it may be.
  Today it is not ceremony, but tragedy that stirs us to renew our 
commitment to faithfully fulfill our oath of office. Let us not let 
this inhuman act frighten us into doing otherwise.
  The free exchange of ideas is the lifeblood of our democracy, as 
prescribed by the First Amendment, that beacon of free expression 
Congresswoman Giffords recited in this well just days ago.
  These rights have not been handed down by dictate; they have been 
preserved and protected through generations of hard sacrifice and 
commitment. We will continue that unfinished work.
  We will do it for Christina Taylor Green, Dorothy Morris, Phyllis 
Schneck, and Dorwan Stoddard, ordinary citizens who died participating 
in their democracy. And we will do it for Judge John Roll. And we will 
do it for Gabe Zimmerman. And we will do it for--and God willing, 
with--Gabrielle Giffords.
  Our hearts are broken, but our spirit is not. This is a time for the 
House to lock arms in prayer for those fallen and the wounded, and in 
resolve to carry on the dialogue of democracy.
  We may not yet have all the answers, but we already have the answer 
that matters most: that we are Americans, and together we will make it 
through this difficult period. We will have the last word.
  God bless this House. God bless this Congress. And God bless America.
  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
minority leader, Ms. Pelosi.
  Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and 
extend my condolences to him, Mr. Pastor, the senior member of the 
Arizona delegation, and to all of the members of the Arizona 
delegation.
  Madam Speaker, I am saddened, greatly saddened, to join the Speaker 
of the House, Mr. Boehner, in coming together in sadness today to share 
our prayers and indeed our hopes for those who have lost so much 
because of the

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tragedy in Arizona involving our colleague, Congresswoman Gabby 
Giffords, her staff, and innocent bystanders.
  Words are inadequate at a time like this, but I hope it is a comfort 
to those who have lost loved ones or who were injured on Saturday that 
so many people mourn the losses but also pray for the survivors and 
care for them at this very difficult time.
  I think the resolution in its description of what happened and the 
context with which it happened is an excellent resolution; and I hope 
people will read it, pray over it, and be grateful that we have this 
opportunity to comment on it.
  Today, we will say many prayers for our country and for the victims 
of this horrific event. We think of our colleague, Congresswoman Gabby 
Giffords, fighting to recover, and the 14 others who were injured and 
remember the six who were killed. Their names are mentioned, and they 
are described in the resolution. The Speaker has mentioned their names, 
but I think acknowledging them bears repetition.
  How do you explain the death of 9-year-old Christina Taylor Green who 
had recently been elected to the student council in her school, Mesa 
Verde Elementary School, and the unbearable grief of John and Roxanna 
Green? Again, we pray for them and will carry Christina as an 
inspiration in our hearts.
  Dorothy Morris was married for more than 50 years to her high school 
sweetheart and was the mother of two.
  Federal Judge John Roll had just come from mass, which he attended 
every day.
  Phyllis Schneck, mother of three, grandmother of seven, and a great-
grandmother. And I know that the New Yorkers like to hear she was a 
Giants fan, snowbird in Arizona carrying that dedication west.
  Dorwan Stoddard died shielding his wife, Mavy. Shielding his wife, 
Mavy.
  And as has been mentioned in the resolution, and we have mourned, 
Congresswoman Gabby Giffords' director of community outreach, Gabriel 
Matthew Zimmerman. One of his colleagues, his coworker, said: ``Gabe 
helped people for a living.''
  As we honor the heroes who risked their lives to protect others, 
among them some who were injured, Patricia Maisch, for one, who grabbed 
the full magazine of ammunition from the killer as he attempted to 
reload. Just think of how many more we could have lost.
  Roger Sulzgeber and Joseph Zimudio tackled and subdued the suspect. 
Imagine the courage.

                              {time}  1020

  And Daniel Hernandez, Jr., 20 years old--an intern who had just been 
on the job for 4 days. When he heard gunshots, he ran toward them--he 
ran toward them--and attended to Congresswoman Giffords, helping to 
staunch her bleeding with his own hands.
  We pray for the recovery of other members of Congresswoman Giffords' 
staff--Ron Barber, Pam Simon. We commend Pia Carusone and the entire 
Giffords staff for carrying on.
  Those heroes at the scene were joined by first responders from county 
and municipalities, arriving just 3 minutes after the first 911 call, 
who performed excellently, and in doing so, saved lives. We also pay 
tribute to the skilled professionals at Arizona's University Medical 
Center, whose role is ongoing in healing the victims of this tragedy.
  Tonight, the University of Arizona community joins with Tucson, the 
State of Arizona and, indeed, the entire Nation to acknowledge together 
Saturday's tragedy. Appropriately, this remembrance is called 
``Together we thrive: Tucson and America.''
  ``Together we thrive: Tucson and America'' will be an opportunity to 
grieve, and it will be a demonstration of our strength: a strength in 
community--a strength in community that was demonstrated last Saturday, 
a strength in community there that is ongoing. Tucson demonstrated its 
strength on Saturday when the city was full of heroes--ordinary 
citizens, victims, first responders--coming together in the spirit of 
community.
  Madam Speaker, our colleague Congresswoman Giffords was the primary 
target of this cowardly act; and as she recovers, we honor her as a 
brilliant and courageous Member of Congress. She has brought to 
Congress an invigoration--the thinking of a new generation of national 
leaders. As a businesswoman and State legislator, she came to Congress 
full of ideas, and we will long continue to be blessed by them. I look 
forward to when she is present with us on the floor. She has spoken out 
courageously and led boldly when the times have demanded it.
  It is especially tragic that those who lost their lives and those who 
were wounded had come together, as the resolution presents, to 
participate in an activity that reflects the best of our democratic 
tradition--a Representative of the people, of Gabby Giffords and her 
staff hearing directly from the men and women she represents.
  American democracy is founded on our commitment to a contest of 
ideas, not violence. Political disagreement and dissent must never 
violate our Nation's values, as expressed in the Constitution, of free 
expression, speech and peaceful assembly. Gabby spoke to that right 
here from the floor last week.
  In this hour of anguish, we seek a renewed commitment to hope, to 
civility, to peace among the American people. In many of our churches, 
we sing on Sunday and on other days of the week: let there be peace on 
Earth, and let it begin, not just with us but with me--with each of us, 
within each of us.
  In speaking as one House today, coming together in peace, we offer 
our thoughts and support, our prayers for the health of our colleague, 
Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, and for all of the injured. We share 
the stories of the heroes of this tragedy and mourn those who perished. 
Let their actions and their memories be a blessing to our country.
  We don't know why God saw this to be necessary, but let this be 
something that we cherish as an opportunity as we mourn the 
heartbreaking horror of it all. This resolution is a fitting tribute. 
It is a great resolution. Please read it again and again. Carry those 
names in your heart. Remember each of these people because, again, a 
tragic accident took lives and wounded people in the free expression of 
ideas. May this resolution remind us of the urgent need to uphold our 
democratic values, to treat one another with courtesy and with respect, 
and to act as Congresswoman Giffords has always done and always will 
do--in a manner that reflects the best of American leadership.
  As our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of all who were 
affected, I want to call special attention to Commander, Navy Captain 
Mark Kelly, Gabby's husband, who has been a source of strength to all 
of us in this difficult time. We pray for him. We thank him for his and 
Gabby's service to our country. God truly blessed America with their 
leadership, with their service, and with their love for each other.
  Mr. CANTOR. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, this week, most Members of the House will gather 
briefly here in Washington, but our hearts and spirits will be in 
Arizona. The unspeakable tragedy in Tucson last Saturday came as a 
complete shock, casting a pall over the entire Nation.
  With this resolution, we join 300 million Americans and millions of 
others around the world in showing our solidarity with Congresswoman 
Giffords and the rest of the victims. Gabby serves Arizona's Eighth 
District with distinction and thoughtful leadership, and we are all 
praying for her speedy recovery.
  Saturday's cowardly crime was more than just an attack on dozens of 
innocent Americans at a grocery store. It was an attack on the very 
essence of democracy and representative government--an assault on the 
open exchange of ideas between legislators and the people to whom they 
are accountable.
  This resolution honors the memory of Christina Taylor Green, Dorothy 
Morris, Judge John Roll, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan Stoddard, and Gabriel 
Zimmerman. The slain represent

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a broad cross-section of the American public--young and old; men, women 
and child; friends, brothers, sisters, and children. They will be 
missed but not forgotten.
  This inexplicable crime reminds us that there is evil in the world. 
Yet, as we look for light in a thicket of darkness, our Nation has 
drawn inspiration from the bravery and quick thinking displayed by the 
heroes on the scene. Were it not for their efforts, there likely would 
have been many more victims.
  The outpouring of support, prayer, and solidarity also reminds us 
that America is a country of compassion, community, and empathy. We 
will stand with the victims and their families, and pray and mourn with 
them as they cope with this horrific tragedy.
  Madam Speaker, I also want to offer my thoughts of comfort to Gabby 
Giffords' staff and want them to know that our hearts hang heavy, and 
our thoughts and prayers are with them as they try and persevere 
through this very difficult time.
  I would also like to add my thanks to the brave law enforcement that 
has helped our Nation over the last several days and every day--the law 
enforcement under the directorship of Director Mueller of the FBI, the 
local law enforcement in Arizona and, from our perspective, most 
especially, the Capitol Police, the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and 
the Sergeant at Arms, himself--for the tremendous job that they are 
undergoing each and every minute as we try and cope with this tragedy.
  Madam Speaker, this resolution affirms the point all of us want to 
make. Our hearts are heavy. We mourn with the victims, and I urge my 
colleagues to support it.

                              {time}  1030

  Madam Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from 
Arizona (Mr. Flake), and I ask unanimous consent that he be permitted 
to control that time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the gentleman from 
Arizona will control the time.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the 
gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer).
  Mr. HOYER. I thank the gentleman from Arizona for yielding.
  Madam Speaker, this week, we pause the work of the House to mourn the 
lost lives of six of our fellow citizens--one of those born on that day 
of tragedy and carnage when thousands were slain in an equally 
indiscriminate, heinous act of hate--citizens shot dead on Saturday in 
Tucson in pursuit of the ``right to peaceably assemble,'' the amendment 
which Gabby Giffords read on this floor. We come as well to honor those 
who risked their lives to save others, to pray for the lives of the 
wounded, and to pray for our colleague and friend, Congresswoman 
Gabrielle Giffords.
  Today, this temple of representative democracy is a sadder place. But 
Congresswoman Giffords' intelligence and her toughness, her public 
spirit and her charm will, God willing, and with the extraordinary 
medical care she is receiving, soon return to this body and again be a 
practitioner and a model for the principles of civil debate and 
thoughtful deliberation on which this temple is founded.
  Congresswoman Giffords was attacked doing the work that is the heart 
of democracy, as has been so eloquently observed by our Speaker, Mr. 
Boehner: Listening to her neighbors, listening to those who sent her 
here to Washington to reflect their views.
  Each one of us have done that work. Each one of us has come back 
bearing their fears and their hopes, their convictions and their 
visions for the future. Some, of course, are everyday hopes; some are 
matters of life and death. But in each case, we bring these hopes here 
and speak to our neighbors as best we can. That is what Congresswoman 
Giffords was doing.
  We do not know, of course, the specific motive which led the 
perpetrator of this crime to act, nor can we draw conclusions as to 
specific causes, but it seems to me it is a time for us to reflect on 
the heightened anger being projected on our public debate and the daily 
denigration of those with whom we disagree. And it is appropriate, 
therefore, that the wrenching, shocking, senseless violence of that day 
compel us to reflect on our own responsibility to temper our words and 
respect those with whom we disagree, lest the failure to do so give 
incitement to the angriest and most unstable among us.
  Let us speak for our neighbors in a spirit of unity, not a false and 
shallow unity, not a unity that wishes away our differences or our 
discords, but a unity founded on our reverence for our democracy's most 
precious, most fragile gift--its power to resolve without violence our 
weightiest questions.
  In a much darker time than ours, from the edge of a great war, 
President Lincoln addressed these words to the men and women whom, even 
in the war's depths, he refused to see as anything other than his 
fellow Americans. He said this: ``We are not enemies, but friends. We 
must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not 
break our bonds of affection.''
  There are, in every society and in every culture and every nation, 
those who reflect that creed, but if we love our country, if we honor 
our oath to country, Constitution, and to our Nation of laws, we must 
live by those words. There is, perhaps, nothing we can do that will 
prevent the mindless violence committed by the few, but we can and must 
appeal to the best instincts of the many.
  To the families of the fallen, we extend our sympathy. To the 
survivors, we extend our prayers for a full and speedy recovery. And to 
our colleague, to our beloved colleague, Gabby, we extend our love and 
our hopes for her early return to the Chamber and our ranks.
  All of us in this time have come together, reached out to one 
another, comforted one another, and lifted one another up. May that 
sentiment not pass quickly from this body or from this country.
  Mr. FLAKE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I want to thank Speaker Boehner and the leadership on both sides of 
the aisle for bringing this resolution to the floor. This is indeed 
Congress at its best.
  None of us will ever forget the feeling we had when we heard the news 
of the shooting last Saturday--one of the victims which was our dear 
friend and colleague, Gabby Giffords. A few hours after the first news 
broke, I was in attendance at the press conference in Tucson at the 
medical center. Amid the turmoil and the anguish of the occasion, there 
were audible expressions of joy and relief around that room and around 
the country when Dr. Rhee announced that Gabby could listen and 
respond. Gabby's progress over the past few days has been measured in 
much the same manner--the squeeze of a hand, the raising of two 
fingers, a thumbs-up sign, each gesture letting us know that she hears, 
that she is listening and responding. These traits, listening and 
responding, have defined Gabby Giffords' career as a legislator.
  Let me give but one example borne of another tragedy just 10 months 
ago. Longtime Arizonan Bob Krentz, known to provide assistance to those 
he found in need, was murdered on his ranch near Arizona's southern 
border. Farmers and ranchers in Arizona were understandably alarmed. 
Gabby listened and responded. Over and over she contacted and visited 
those affected, reassuring them that help was on its way. She convened 
monthly conference calls for the farming and ranching communities 
involving the Border Patrol, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the 
Justice Department and other Federal agencies, each month broadening 
the circle to include more stakeholders.
  We learned of her efforts in delegation meetings here in Washington, 
where she enlisted additional support. Last August, much as a result of 
Gabby's persistent efforts, the Congress acted, providing unprecedented 
resources to improve security in the area. Gabby listened, she 
responded, and, in the end, Congress responded as well.
  We are responding here today by giving thanks for the service of 
Federal Judge John Roll and Gabe Zimmerman

[[Page 266]]

for the public service they have rendered. We are responding today by 
recognizing the heroic lifesaving efforts of people like Daniel 
Hernandez, who delivered aid to Congresswoman Giffords; to those who 
tackled the gunman; to Dorwan Stoddard, who shielded his wife from the 
gunfire, selflessly giving his own life that she might live. We are 
responding today by joining John and Roxanna Green in mourning the loss 
of their 9-year-old daughter, Christina, as well as the friends and 
families of Dorothy Morris and Phyllis Schneck.
  We in the Arizona delegation are proud of the wonderful State that 
we, together with more than 6 million of our friends and neighbors, 
call home. Arizona is defined not by the actions of a lone crazed 
gunman, but by the heroism and bravery of those who left us on Saturday 
and those, like our friend and colleague, Gabby Giffords, who will 
continue to lead us in the future.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the leader 
of the caucus, the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Larson).
  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. I thank the gentleman from Arizona.
  Shakespeare tells us in Othello that when Iago whispers mistruths in 
the ear of Othello, something beautiful dies.

                              {time}  1040

  Something beautiful died in Tucson, Arizona, this past Saturday. 
People who came to an event, to hear their congresswoman speak--one 
little girl, 9 years old--all beautiful, all celebrating the great 
beauty and majesty of our democracy, passed on that day.
  Who knows what mistruths were bouncing around in the head of the 
assassin. Who could know that? But something beautiful died. Democracy 
died just a little that day.
  But beauty has a way of coming back. It resides in people like 
Gabrielle Giffords. She epitomizes all that is good and rich about 
serving in the United States Congress. From her very demeanor, to her 
graciousness, to the way she carried herself in committee, with her 
legislation, and how she held forth with her constituents in an 
accountable manner that has become so much a fabric of our democracy--
our Congress on the Corner.
  She truly is a beautiful person. And that beauty had others 
responding that day with acts of heroism that have already been 
recounted on this floor. And that beauty lies with her husband by her 
side and with the fervent prayers of a Nation in hope, knowing and 
feeling confident that she will return from this awful incident and be 
back here with us gracing us with her beauty and dignity and vision and 
purpose.
  One of her last remarks, in speaking to Mr. Trey Grayson, director of 
the Harvard Institute of Politics, was to say, I would love to talk 
about what we can do to promote centrism and moderation. I think we 
need to figure out how to tone down our rhetoric and the partisanship 
that exists here.
  Mr. FLAKE. I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from 
Arizona (Mr. Franks).
  Mr. FRANKS of Arizona. I thank the gentleman.
  Madam Speaker, the tragedy this week in Arizona has been a reminder 
to all of us of the brevity and delicate nature of this earthly life. 
It is my prayer this morning that God would grant all of the victims 
named in this resolution, as well as the grieving families and loved 
ones who are mourning the loss of the six precious lives that were 
taken that day, the comfort, the peace, and the restoration that only 
He can give.
  Madam Speaker, it happens that the only one of those victims that I 
knew well personally was our own Gabby Giffords. Madam Speaker, Gabby 
and I are from different parties. And on past and happier days, many in 
Arizona would often joke about the differences in our politics.
  But I can testify to you this morning, Madam Speaker, that in the 4 
years that I have known Gabby Giffords there has never been one unkind 
or acrimonious or even terse word passed between us.
  Gabby Giffords is a precious, warm, caring, decent human being whose 
warmth and charm touched the hearts of all who know her. And the 
testimony of her life and work is proof that true tolerance is not in 
pretending that we have no differences; it is being kind and decent to 
each other in spite of those differences.
  And it strikes me as more than a poignant coincidence that only days 
before the tragedy, we all listened to Gabby Giffords as she stood at 
this very podium and read the words of the Constitution's First 
Amendment, which protects the right of the people to peaceably 
assemble.
  And then only days later, Madam Speaker, as she was exercising that 
right and faithfully doing her job as a Member of the United States 
Congress, one bereft of heart, human compassion, and respect for 
innocent human life mindlessly shattered her life and the lives of so 
many others around her.
  Madam Speaker, the last words I had with Gabby Giffords were spoken 
not 10 feet from this podium when we exchanged simple but genuine and 
heartfelt words and best wishes for the new year and the new Congress. 
And, Madam Speaker, I will tell you that when I heard the news of this 
tragedy and the false report that Gabby had died, I felt such an 
overwhelming sense of grief in my soul to think that those were the 
last words that I would ever speak to her.
  And it was a reminder to me, Madam Speaker, of the brevity and 
preciousness of human life and freedom and just how important it really 
is for each of us to seize every moment and to speak kind and loving 
words to each other while we still can.
  So, Madam Speaker, it is my prayer that God would comfort the 
Giffords family and all of the victims of this horrible tragedy and 
hold them closely in His arms as only He can, and that He would some 
day very soon return a smiling Gabby Giffords to this Chamber and to 
all of us, as clear eyed and as whole as when she left us.
  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I also join my colleague from Arizona, Jeff Flake, in thanking the 
leadership in bringing this resolution here this morning. I also want 
to recognize that Representative Giffords' staff is in the gallery with 
us this morning. So we want to wish them the best.
  Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness I rise today to pay tribute 
to six innocent and precious Arizonans who, while participating in a 
public event designated to strengthen our democracy, so tragically lost 
their lives in a senseless act of violence last Saturday. I also want 
to pay tribute to those 14 Arizonans, including our dedicated and 
beloved colleague, and my personal friend, Gabby Giffords, who were 
wounded.
  These Americans, all dedicated to freedom and all loving their 
country so much that they chose to use their Saturday morning to 
participate in a public event to make their government better, are 
recovering at different paces and with unique and different needs. The 
city of Tucson, Pima County, and the entire State of Arizona stand 
poised to assist and welcome these brave heroes back to our communities 
once they have recovered.
  Gabby continues to fight, literally fight, every minute for her life. 
And we are all reaching toward our God in prayer, contemplation, and 
silent whispers in our unified effort to bring about her quick recovery 
and return to us here in this House of Representatives.
  Those who perished--Phyllis Schneck, Dorothy Morris, Gabe Zimmerman, 
Christina Taylor Green, Dorwan Stoddard, and John Roll--will be missed 
by their families, their colleagues, their friends, and all Arizonans.

                              {time}  1050

  Phyllis Schneck was described by her New Jersey hometown paper as a 
lifelong conservative, yet she was there to see Gabby because she 
admired her. This is a perfect example of someone who wanted to step 
beyond the current vitriol in modern-day politics and bring us 
together.
  Dorothy Morris was married to a former Marine Corps pilot, who was

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also wounded and recovering. We all know the patriotism and love of 
country every spouse of a marine exhibits, and she was no exception.
  Gabe Zimmerman was one of us. A dedicated staff member to Gabby, it 
is said that he literally lived to serve his community. Sadly, he 
perished, but he perished fulfilling his calling and doing what he 
loved--helping the people of his town.
  Christina Taylor Green was just starting her political career. She 
had just been elected to her school's student council and wanted to 
come see it done at the highest level. She wanted to see a pro, so she 
came to see Gabby. She was a special little girl who kept reaching for 
the stars in politics, dance, baseball, and whatever her heart desired.
  Dorwan Stoddard died shielding his wife, who was also wounded but 
expected to recover. Following their regular Saturday outing, Dorwan 
brought his wife, Mavy, to Gabby because reportedly she wanted to tell 
Gabby what a good job she was doing. High school sweethearts who were 
reconnected after many years apart, they were a pillar of their church 
community. And we know Mavy will continue on, saddened and burdened, 
but hopefully not broken.
  Finally, Judge Roll had been working with Gabby and several of us in 
the delegation for the past several months trying to make the courts in 
Arizona more efficient and more responsive to both the victim and the 
accused. I knew him to be a fair, dedicated, charming, professional, 
and loyal person. He loved his family; he loved his profession; he 
loved his job, his community, and his country. Arizona and the Nation 
will be a different place without him.
  Again, I am encouraged by the reports concerning all the wounded. 
These individuals are the perfect example of the strength of Arizonans 
and all Americans. They will recover, we pray, and they will not shy 
from continuing to serve their community.
  This is most true for Gabby. Gabby is a special person among us here 
in Congress. We all know that. We all love her pragmatism, her 
bipartisanship, her willingness to learn, her dedication to give, her 
compassion for her job and for each of us, and her spirit to continue 
striving to make the Eighth Congressional District of Arizona and 
America a better place to live and work.
  Hopefully, it won't be much longer until we see her here, her smiling 
face with us again, doing what she loves, and working hard for the 
people of our country.
  Our prayers go to Gabby, all the victims, and the families of the 
deceased.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Schweikert).
  Mr. SCHWEIKERT. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I come to 
the floor today to offer these thoughts on this tragic event this past 
Saturday outside Tucson that took the lives of John M. Roll, Christina 
Taylor Green, Dorwan Stoddard, Dorothy Morris, Gabe Zimmerman, and 
Phyllis Schneck, and gravely injured our colleague, Congresswoman Gabby 
Giffords.
  It was just last week that my wife and I had the opportunity to visit 
with Gabby in Statuary Hall before the ceremonial swearing in. And as 
so many of you know, our interactions with her were gracious, 
energetic, and she was willing to help us as we were setting up our 
freshman office. We took a few photos. We talked about ways we could 
work together, and of course we engaged in the banter and teasing of 
Arizona's favorite rivalry, ASU versus U of A.
  Gabby takes enormous pride in the job in representing the communities 
of southern Arizona. And my wife and I send our thoughts and prayers to 
Mark during this difficult time. We deeply appreciate the gift Mark 
generously shares with all of us here in Washington and back in 
Arizona.
  It is also important not to forget the individuals who lost their 
lives or who were injured while they were exercising their right to 
participate and have a say in this Republic. Indeed, they became 
victims while exercising a fundamental right that has served as a 
backbone of this country since its founding, a right our Nation's 
Founders sacrificed so dearly for, just as the victims this last 
Saturday have tragically also sacrificed for.
  We are stunned by the tragedy, but we remain resolute in our 
commitment to assemble peacefully, engage civilly in the types of 
discourse that are fundamental to maintaining this Republic. Although 
words may not sufficiently capture the sorrow and grief we are 
experiencing, particularly in Arizona, Joyce and I send our thoughts, 
our prayers to Gabby; Mark; Roxanna and John Green, the parents of 
little Christina Taylor Green; and the loved ones of Judge Roll, Dorwan 
Stoddard, Dorothy Morris, Gabe Zimmerman, Phyllis Schneck, the 
community of Tucson and southern Arizona, all Arizona, this Nation. Our 
hearts are heavy, but our prayers are with all of you.
  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Kucinich).
  Mr. KUCINICH. We are one as we pay tribute to Congresswoman Giffords 
and all the other victims of violence in Tucson. Our gathering reflects 
the truth of America's first motto, which is above this Chamber, E 
Pluribus Unum--Out of Many, We Are One.
  It is vital that we acknowledge our oneness, not just as a Congress, 
but as a Nation and as a world. In that appreciation for oneness, we 
find human sympathy, compassion, and love. It is an awareness of the 
imperative of human unity which can bring us to the threshold of 
understanding our power to bring an end to the violence which is 
consuming our loved ones. It is an awareness of the imperative of human 
unity which can help us to create a new America where the omnipresence 
of violence is understood as a challenge to be met, not as an 
unyielding truth of the human condition to be accepted.
  Our hearts are open now as we recognize the victims. So let us be 
open to a new direction, where we in this Nation can take an organized 
approach to deal with the causes of violence, not just the effects. We 
are one with our sister, Congresswoman Giffords, and all the other 
victims. Let us continue to be one with each other as we struggle to 
bring light to this moment of darkness.
  Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Arizona (Mr. Quayle).

                              {time}  1100

  Mr. QUAYLE. I thank the gentleman from Arizona for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 32 and to 
honor the victims of the senseless act of violence that took place in 
Tucson on Saturday. All Arizonans and all Americans mourn the six souls 
that lost their lives. They will never be forgotten.
  They were model citizens, actively engaged in their community and 
with their government, just chatting with their Representative on a 
Saturday morning.
  Mr. Speaker, peaceful discourse and participation is a precious part 
of our society and one of the things that makes our country great. We 
must not allow an act of violence to inhibit the free exchange of 
thoughts and concerns.
  The six that lost their lives died because they loved America. They 
wanted to be involved in the process. In recent days, we have heard 
their inspiring stories from family and friends. We shouldn't have to 
wonder what the future had in store for them. They are the friends, 
neighbors, and colleagues that our communities depend upon.
  Mr. Speaker, we pray for our friend and colleague, Congresswoman 
Gabby Giffords. That she survived her wounds is a miracle but no 
surprise to those who know her and admire her spirit, determination, 
and conviction.
  Congresswoman Giffords was attacked while doing her job to the best 
of her ability. She wasn't in an ornate congressional hearing room or 
on the floor of the House. She was back home, on the sidewalk of a 
supermarket, listening to the concerns of her constituents. That too, 
Mr. Speaker, is what makes this country great. That, too, must never 
change.
  In our great State of Arizona, there is much to mourn after 
Saturday's

[[Page 268]]

tragedy. But make no mistake, there are also many things that elicit 
great pride.
  We are proud of the brave civilian and professional first responders 
whose quick response time and decisive actions prevented more loss of 
life and greater injury. We are proud of the amazing work performed by 
the surgeons and the medical teams at the University of Arizona Medical 
Center, whose skill and expertise shined during trying times.
  And above all, Mr. Speaker, we are proud of the six who perished and 
of Congresswoman Giffords, all of whom were simply doing their duty as 
good Americans: they as active citizens and she as their worthy 
Representative.
  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Michigan.
  Mr. LEVIN. We all come together in the aftermath of the overwhelming 
tragedy at Tucson to remember all of the victims and also to fervently 
hope, still in disbelief.
  Our colleague, Gabrielle Giffords, epitomizes what a public servant 
should be--fully dedicated, principled, caring and reaching out to all 
constituents and to all our colleagues. Time will tell with clarity 
exactly what are the appropriate lessons for all of us to learn from 
the Tucson tragedy.
  In the meanwhile, our focus is, indeed, very personal. In the holiday 
card that Gabby sent to me, she wrote her best wishes for a joyful new 
year and continued writing that we will have our work cut out for us.
  The new year is now far, far less joyful. So our hope in the prayer 
we are sending with love to Gabby and to Mark is that Gabby will be 
able to join us as we take on the work cut out for us to which, Gabby, 
you have devoted your whole self so fully.
  Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Speaker, let me just say how nice it is to have you 
presiding and another Arizonan controlling time on that side and so 
many in the delegation here today. We are a close delegation.
  I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Arizona 
(Mr. Gosar).
  Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today with a heavy heart as I 
give my prayers to Representative Giffords and her family, as well as 
my condolences to the other victims of the rampage in Tucson. I speak 
not just for myself and for my family, but for the citizens of my 
district in Arizona and so many others who are saddened and outraged by 
this senseless act.
  Gabby is more than Arizona's third female Congresswoman. She is first 
and foremost an American who devoted much of her life to public 
service. There are risks with public service. We cannot deny that. But 
Gabby has powerful beliefs, and she came to DC to represent the people 
of her district, and everyone knows she is tireless.
  Gabby has the grit of a fighter and the tenacity of a woman on a 
mission. It is that heart and that grit and that tenacity that I pray 
will continue to serve her well and speed her recovery.
  I hope the day is coming soon that I get to greet Gabby with open 
arms and welcome her back to the floor of this House. There is so much 
that we have yet to do together for Arizona, for this country. I look 
forward to working with Gabby on the issues of our day and hearing her 
spirited voice.
  Let me add further the acts of a criminal will not stop us from 
meeting our people. We will not be deterred. We will not be 
intimidated, and we will not abandon the people of Arizona because of 
the murderous acts of a deranged killer.
  Gabby read the First Amendment on the floor of the House just days 
before she was shot. That amendment provides that the people shall have 
the right to petition their government, and gives the people of this 
Nation a voice to speak on the issues important to them. Gabby did not 
just read the First Amendment; she lived it. She was living it on the 
very day someone tried to kill her.
  Let us continue to pray for the recovery of the wounded. Let us pray 
for the full recovery of Gabby. Let us pray for the families who lost a 
loved one. Let us pray for the mothers and fathers who lost a child, 
and let us pray that God will continue to guide us in everything we do.
  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee).
  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and offer prayers for 
my friend and colleague, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, her staff 
and all the victims of the tragic and senseless shooting in Tucson.
  She is a brilliant and caring public servant. She loves this country 
as all Members of Congress do.
  At times like these, words are always inadequate to express the full 
extent of our grief. What we can do is pray, reflect, and seek to gain 
some meaningful perspective from this time of great sorrow.
  Mr. Speaker, this terrible act, whatever the cause, does violence to 
the democratic principles our country was founded on.
  As I pray for the victims of this terrible event, I also pray that 
our country can move forward from this tragedy with that love and 
respect that Gabrielle Giffords has for human dignity.
  Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Price).
  Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, tragedy is always accompanied by 
so many thoughts and emotions. The irrational violence visited upon our 
Nation last Saturday in Tucson brought a new wave, shock at learning 
the news of the carnage; incredulity at even the possibility of such a 
senseless act; sadness for those injured or killed and for their 
families; confusion by this inexplicable violence; anger at the lunatic 
responsible for this; inadequacy to comprehend the mind that conceives 
such an act; respect for those expert hands and minds working to heal 
the casualties; honor for those who sacrificed and helped in a moment 
of real crisis; hope for a full recovery for Congresswoman Gabrielle 
Giffords and all battling their injuries; recognition that life and 
liberty are precious and fleeting; love of our country and the blessing 
of liberty that we all enjoy; steadfast in our commitment to preserving 
our great Nation; humbled by our mutual responsibility as citizens 
charged with that preservation; reverence for our Lord, the only one 
who knows the answer to the why, and strength from His grace and His 
love and His mercy.
  So we resolve to use this unspeakable and senseless tragedy as an 
opportunity to better ourselves as a people, to recommit ourselves to 
the tireless preservation of our Republic and to reaffirm those 
fundamental principles of liberty and American representative 
government.
  May God place His healing hand on all affected by this heinous event, 
and may God bless the United States of America.

                              {time}  1110

  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson).
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong 
support of the resolution before us today and think it is fitting and 
proper that we take this opportunity to pause and remember those who 
lost their lives and were wounded in the tragedy that occurred last 
Saturday in Tucson, Arizona.
  It is really hard to comprehend how such senseless acts of violence 
can happen. And yet while we may not be able to fathom why this tragedy 
occurred, the harsh reality is that six innocent people were killed, 
including a 9-year-old child, and another 14 individuals were wounded, 
including our own friend and colleague, Representative Gabrielle 
Giffords. As we speak, she remains in critical condition in the 
intensive care unit at the University Medical Center in Tucson, 
fighting for her life.
  Those of us who know Gabby know that she is a real fighter and that 
gives us optimism that the final outcome will be a good one and that 
she will be returning to this institution that she loves and still 
fight for what she believes in.
  A number of my colleagues have spoken about the many ways in which

[[Page 269]]

Representative Giffords has touched their lives here in Congress, and I 
would like to echo some of those sentiments. As the ranking member on 
the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I have seen firsthand the 
way her passion, commitment and competence have been used to voice her 
help for our Nation to move forward in a positive way. She has been 
very active as a member of the committee sponsoring and cosponsoring 
numerous pieces of legislation relating to research, innovation, 
renewable energy, space exploration, and math and science education. 
They have included the Solar Technology Roadmap Act, the Science Parks 
Research and Innovative Technologies Act, the NASA Authorization Act of 
2010, and America COMPETES, as many other important pieces. She has 
been tireless in carrying out her oversight responsibilities.
  As chairman of the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee in the 111th 
Congress, she conducted numerous hearings on a wide range of issues 
related to NASA, civil and commercial space activities, international 
cooperation in space, civil aviation, and earth observations, among 
others. Her willingness to work hard, to get the facts and exercise 
tough love on the agencies she oversees has earned her the respect of 
Members on both sides of the aisle. In addition, while she is not 
afraid to express her views directly, she always has done so with 
civility and grace.
  Mr. Speaker, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, the one I know and 
respect, we hope to see her return soon. It is still hard for me to 
comprehend that such evil could befall her and the other victims of 
last Saturday. I know I speak for all Members in saying that our 
thoughts and prayers are with each of them and their families. We look 
forward to the day when we can welcome Ms. Giffords back to the House 
floor and join together with her to do the Nation's business.
  Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sessions).
  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I join with my colleagues today with 
respect to the delegation from Arizona who suffers and yet today comes 
to the floor of the House of Representatives to do their duty. To the 
colleagues of Ms. Giffords who today join in support, not only in 
prayerful support but as we stand together we speak clearly to say that 
the support for Congresswoman Giffords and all the victims of this 
tragic shooting and their families need to be remembered, and we offer 
full support.
  I was deeply shocked and saddened by these heartbreaking events and I 
join my colleagues and I know all of America looked on TV on Saturday 
as we all condemned not only in our own hearts but also as our families 
spoke around the tables about what had happened. We condemn this 
senseless act of violence.
  Congresswoman Giffords is a dedicated public servant and has served 
the people of Arizona for over 10 years. She was elected to the House 
of Representatives in 2006. She is known as a steadfast leader in 
Congress for her constituents. I would see her often on the airplane as 
we would travel back every weekend. She is known by each of us as a 
kind and wonderful person who serves with honor and who is a very 
deeply genuine and a warm person with friends on both sides of the 
aisle.
  All Members of this body understand the high honor it is to serve our 
constituents every single day and I would like to join my colleagues in 
standing together today to guarantee that the inhumane acts of this 
last Saturday will not deter us from our duty. This heartbreaking event 
has left Americans astonished and speechless. Those participating as 
Members of Congress today should stand up and say that we will stand 
behind Gabrielle and look forward to her safe return to be with her 
colleagues. We offer a prayer for her support.
  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky).
  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. I am very grateful to join my colleagues on both 
sides of the aisle to mourn the tragic loss of six lives and the many 
who were injured who wanted nothing more than to participate in a 
simple but precious opportunity to meet directly with their 
Congresswoman, Gabrielle Giffords.
  There will be time to reflect on potential remedies that could 
prevent or diminish the threat that has so personally touched us all, 
but today I simply want to send my love to Gabby and to Mark and the 
rest of their family. We have all had the opportunity to focus on you, 
Gabby, the brilliant, effective, warm, courageous person and leader 
that you are. You brought us together to focus on just how meaningful 
your friendship is to us, to me.
  I also want to take this opportunity to thank my dedicated staff here 
in Washington and at home in the district and all the staff that work 
with us. Thank you for your daily efforts and sacrifices, the long 
hours and the commitment to your constituents, our constituents. The 
tragedy of this event and the loss of Gabe Zimmerman and the wounded 
staff has brought home just how important you are to all of us and to 
everything that we do here.
  Let us take this sad moment to seek peace and love, to honor those 
who were killed, and fervently pray for those who were injured, 
including our beloved colleague Gabrielle Giffords and look forward to 
the day when she will return to us in full health.
  Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Carter).
  Mr. CARTER. Mr. Speaker, I come over here today because about 3 weeks 
ago, 4 weeks ago, on a plane coming back from Washington, DC. flying to 
Dallas, where I changed planes and also Gabrielle Giffords changed 
planes, was my first opportunity to interact with this young lady. I 
watched her visit with the fellow travelers on the plane. She espied a 
couple of her constituents and talked with them. She visited with me. 
And then as we shared a cart to our changing gates, I was just touched 
by what a really, really nice person she was.
  We interact in this building and we have our debates and so forth, 
but I got a chance to just ride and talk about family and talk about 
life with a charming, intelligent and quite honestly captivating young 
lady. And that's why I came down here today, because you don't cross 
paths with individuals like that very often. And when you do, it's a 
blessing that comes into your life.
  And then when I turned on the television and discovered that this 
blessing had been attacked by this vicious, vicious attack that took 
place in Arizona, and not only was this sweet life placed at risk but a 
9-year-old child was killed senselessly, others were murdered, others 
were wounded on the streets of Tucson in the United States of America 
at a congressional event.

                              {time}  1120

  It makes you stop and pause and think. We have to get back together 
and work on these issues. We have to get civility into the world.
  And I am concerned about the violence. Violence has entered our House 
and injured one of our own and killed one of our own. I hope justice is 
swift and I hope justice is severe. But as we go forward, we need to 
work together to secure not only this House, but to secure this Nation.
  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Maryland.
  Ms. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and prayer for our 
friend and colleague, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, a delightful 
personality, a dedicated legislator, and a powerful advocate for her 
constituents. Sitting next to her on the Science and Technology 
Committee, you only had to be there to know and feel her passion for 
NASA, solar technology, innovation and research. It has rubbed off.
  As we pause to reflect on the terrible tragedy that took place in 
Tucson, we know that Congresswoman Giffords was simply doing what she 
does so well, meeting with the constituents of Arizona's Eighth 
Congressional District and hearing their different points of view. This 
is a sentiment that is reflected in Congresswoman Giffords'

[[Page 270]]

own words when she said, ``My position . . . is to listen to my 
constituents . . . then ultimately make sound, rational decisions that 
are going to be beneficial for the Eighth Congressional District. 
That's my job.''
  Mr. Speaker, I join the Nation in expressing my sorrow for the 
senseless and tragic loss of life--Christina Taylor Green, Dorothy 
Morris, U.S. District Court Judge John Roll, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan 
Stoddard, and Gabriel Zimmerman--and to all those injured, including 
our friend and colleague, Gabrielle Giffords, and her staff. We will 
keep you and your families in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers.
  We are deeply grateful for the heroes, sung and unsung, who showed 
great courage and sacrifice and continue to do so in caring for their 
friends, family, and community.
  To Gabby; to Mark Kelly, her husband; her staff, we pray that your 
burdens are lifted and that the dark days become light. May God bless 
you and strengthen you. May God bless this Congress, and may God bless 
America.
  Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Walden).
  Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of the people of Oregon's 
Second District to offer my deepest sympathies to the families of the 
victims of Saturday's senseless shooting in Tucson. Americans see each 
of us taking this personally, because Congresswoman Giffords and her 
staff were doing what each of us does in our own way: We go home; we 
reach out to listen to people who agree and disagree, and we practice 
the art of democracy. It is a practice so fundamental to our Nation 
that families bring their young children who are interested in public 
service; senior judges attend to discuss Federal policy, and citizens 
come to get help with their Medicare or Veterans Affairs benefits. No 
one comes thinking such a despicable act of violence will occur.
  Despite deep philosophical differences, sometimes argued vigorously 
and vociferously in our meetings, Americans share a common belief that 
violence has no place in democratic discourse.
  In Romans 12:1, Paul writes, ``Don't be overcome by evil, but 
overcome evil with good.'' We stand together across America committed 
to this calling and in the belief that the great good in America will 
always overcome the isolated evil.
  May God's healing hand be on our colleague and those affected and 
bring comfort to all.
  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Harman).
  Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, as Gabby's colleagues, we all have had 
moments with her, so many memories that we recall vividly and fondly. 
For me, she is a refreshing, frank, and inspiring younger member of the 
House sisterhood. She is whip smart and a serious and disciplined 
legislator. She is the kind of person we need so badly in this Chamber 
doing the people's business without rancor or vitriol.
  Though the attack occurred in Tucson, it was an attack on all of us, 
and it strikes very close to home. Just a week ago today, I sat near 
Gabby at a New Democrat lunch in the Capitol Visitor Center. The group 
was assessing the recent election, and her contribution to the 
discussion was personal, impressive, and well delivered. But 7 days is 
a long time in politics, and our world here is in upheaval.
  Beyond the heroic efforts of Tucson's emergency and medical teams, 
the FBI, and the Capitol Police, the alleged gunman must be fairly and 
swiftly prosecuted. But there is more. The Congress family must take 
additional, prudent steps to protect our staffs and constituents from 
random violence at our public events or offices. I serve here, as we 
all do, in loco parentis and take this very seriously.
  And finally, we should revisit sensible Federal laws to control 
access to guns and ammunition. At a minimum, I believe we must promptly 
restore the expired Federal ban on extended magazine clips. I 
personally would urge us also to reenact the 1994 ban on assault 
weapons, which I was proud to support, and to bar sales of Saturday 
night specials.
  Mr. Speaker, we can't roll back last Saturday, but we can and must 
learn its lessons.
  Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Wyoming (Mrs. Lummis).
  Mrs. LUMMIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution. I 
rise to add the voice of the people of Wyoming to the chorus of united 
Americans reaching out in prayer to the victims in Arizona and to the 
families of those whose lives were stolen from them.
  On January 6, Representative Gabrielle Giffords took to the floor of 
this House and eloquently read to us the First Amendment of our 
Constitution. She gave her own strong emphasis to the phrase that 
grants Americans the right to peaceably assemble. Two days later, she 
and her constituents have had their God-given rights violently taken 
from them.
  In the midst of our national grief, the desire to make sense of the 
senseless is profound. We err if we attempt to rationalize what is 
wholly irrational and to understand what cannot be understood. The 
Apostle Paul writes, ``Now we see but a poor reflection as in a 
mirror.''
  Instead, let us all stand with the gentlelady from Arizona in her 
time of trial and in defense of the Constitution which she is striving 
to uphold. Let us stand with our 9-year-old daughters who are fostering 
a budding interest in our representative democracy. Let us stand with 
our 76- and 79-year-old mothers and fathers who seek only to forge a 
relationship with their elected representatives and to impart a wisdom 
that comes with long life as a citizen of this country. And let us 
stand with our servant leaders of all ages and parties and to spend 
every day in a passionate effort to better a great Nation and a 
beautiful ideal.
  We do them honor if we continue, not with idle speculation, but with 
a renewed commitment to exercise the rights of liberty and freedom. We 
begin the long road to healing by fervently praying for peace in our 
world, peace in our country, and peace in our hearts.
  God bless the victims of Saturday's violence and their families. God 
bless America. And now may the peace of God which surpasses all human 
understanding and all human misunderstanding be with us all.

                              {time}  1130

  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. Bordallo).
  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution today 
and to honor the six individuals who lost their lives; and my friend 
and my colleague, Gabby Giffords, who is currently fighting for her 
life; and the 13 other wounded victims of Saturday's tragic shooting in 
Tucson. Gabe Zimmerman, Federal Judge John Roll, Dorothy Morris, 
Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan Stoddard, and the innocent 9-year-old Christina 
Taylor Green, all who passed away on Saturday in such a senseless act 
of violence that was a direct attack on our democracy.
  Being the extraordinary public servant she is, Gabby had taken her 
first opportunity in the 112th Congress to organize an event to learn 
of her constituents' concerns and their hopes. The victims had all 
peacefully gathered at a local mall to participate in the democratic 
process. The basic exercise of democracy was interrupted by a disturbed 
individual bent on anger at the system. This needless and despicable 
act of violence has no place in our society and should give us all 
cause to reflect on the level of political discourse in this country.
  But while we recognize the tragedy that occurred and pray for the 
quick recovery of those injured and those who died, let us not overlook 
the many acts of bravery and heroism on Saturday.
  As we piece together the events of last Saturday, my thoughts and 
prayers go out to Gabby and the others who have been killed or injured. 
Let this tragic event serve as a reminder of the obligation that we 
have as elected Representatives of the people to be responsible in our 
leadership and be careful of the words that we choose.

[[Page 271]]

  I will keep the victims and their families in my thoughts and 
prayers, and I know that all of my colleagues will do so as well.


                             General Leave

  Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous material on H. Res. 32.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Franks of Arizona). Is there objection 
to the request of the gentleman from Virginia?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, it is now my honor to yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen).
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank our leader for the time.
  Just a few days ago, one of our own, Congresswoman Gabrielle 
Giffords, was gravely injured as a result of a terrible act of an 
unbalanced individual. Americans were profoundly shocked and saddened 
and continue to be by this deplorable act of violence which resulted in 
the unjust deaths of six innocent individuals and a struggle to survive 
for others, including our own Gabby.
  Among those who lost their lives, we know that the list is lamentably 
long: the Honorable John Roll, a Federal judge who went by just to say 
hi to his friend, Gabby; and Christina Taylor Green, a 9-year-old girl, 
who had just been chosen to serve in her school's student council and 
was taken to Gabby's ``Congress on Your Corner'' event by a family 
friend who wanted to get her interested in public affairs; and Gabe 
Zimmerman, a member of Gabby's loyal staff who had an enormous heart 
and was recently engaged to be married.
  It is difficult to make sense of this tragedy, but all Americans 
stand with Gabby and her family and the families of all the victims 
throughout this painful time. Many of us count Gabby not just as a 
colleague but as a friend. I had the privilege of getting to know Gabby 
as a member of our Foreign Affairs Committee. She has always 
demonstrated a strong commitment to serving her constituents, our men 
and women of our Armed Forces and our Nation. And that is exactly what 
we must do. We must not waver in our duties to serve those whom we are 
proudly and yet humbly asked to serve.
  Our Republic was founded on the premise that the people have the 
right and the duty to petition their Representatives and to express 
their views, and Gabby truly embodies that principle. She has always 
been accessible. She has always been eager to listen to her 
constituents. Representatives like Gabby are what has made America an 
example of freedom and democracy the world over. It is truly 
reprehensible to think these noble intentions were exploited to carry 
out such a terrible tragedy.
  To quote Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: ``We must disagree without 
becoming violently disagreeable.''
  The thoughts and prayers of the residents of Florida's 18th 
Congressional District are with Gabby's family and with the families of 
all those affected by this senseless tragedy.
  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Matsui).
  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the victims of the 
Tucson shooting, including our colleague and friend, Gabby Giffords. I 
have seen Gabby's commitment and dedication to her constituents 
firsthand. I have had the pleasure to work with her as we promoted 
efforts to restore our Nation's competitiveness and specifically to 
help create clean energy jobs.
  Gabby is smart, courageous, disciplined, and effective. And as we 
have all seen over the last few days, her strength is unwavering.
  Last Saturday, Gabby organized an event to talk to her constituents 
about their priorities, about their concerns and their hopes. It is 
heartbreaking and a tragedy that six innocent people lost their lives 
and an additional 13 have been critically wounded, all while trying to 
participate in and strengthen our democracy.
  We are all now reflecting on what brought our country to this point 
and how to move forward. As everyone in this Chamber can attest, being 
a Representative is more than a job title. It is what we do, and it is 
who we are. We meet with our constituents. We listen to them. We 
advocate for their best interests.
  Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take a moment to honor the other 
victims of this horrific tragedy: 9-year-old beautiful Christina Taylor 
Green, recently elected to the student council; Gabe Zimmerman, a 
dedicated staffer who was just on the cusp of his own life, recently 
engaged; Federal Judge John Roll, a highly respected jurist who just 
came by to thank Gabby for her support of the judiciary; Phyllis 
Schneck, who was a tireless volunteer at her local church; Dorwan 
Stoddard who shielded his dear wife; and Dorothy Morris who was married 
to her husband a long time who was also there but who survived.
  My thoughts and prayers remain with Gabby and with each victim and 
their families.
  Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Kentucky (Mr. Guthrie).
  Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to be here 
to offer my thoughts and prayers for Gabby, our colleague. Like all of 
us, any interaction I ever had with her was always pleasant and 
memorable, and I look forward to her returning. I pray for her return. 
I am praying for her staff and praying for the other victims.
  I just want to hold up one victim this morning. I didn't know Dorwan 
Stoddard, but through a close network of friends, I had the opportunity 
to learn a little bit about Dorwan Stoddard. He shielded his wife with 
his own body, saving her life but losing his own. He and his wife were 
having breakfast and decided they wanted to go to the ``Congress on the 
Corner'' to give Gabby encouragement for the new year and the new 
Congress to encourage her.
  He loved the Bible. He loved the scriptures in their simplest and 
purest form and just wanted to internalize them and live them, which is 
evidenced in his life. He was very involved in church work. He ran the 
Benevolence Program, which lived up to Christ's challenge to feed the 
hungry and clothe the poor. We know that he internalized the scripture 
because of his last act. And I don't know this, but I think I can say 
without fear of contradiction there were many times he was probably 
sitting in church, the minister was delivering a sermon on marriage, 
and I am sure the text was Ephesians 5:25 when it said: Husbands, love 
your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. 
What love he had for his wife, and what faith he had in God.

                              {time}  1140

  Throughout his life, he aspired to do good. Through his life, let us 
all aspire to do our best.
  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Texas.
  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, today we are one, and we are 
resolute.
  We are one because we understand that there really is but one race, 
and that is the human race. We are one because, as Dr. King put it, all 
of humanity was created by one common Creator to live in harmony--from 
a bass black to a treble white.
  We are one, and we are resolute.
  We are resolute in our belief that one day our friend, our sister, 
will return to the floor of this Congress, to this Hall, and she will 
stand at this podium, and she will be welcomed by her colleagues as she 
returns and takes her rightful place in the Halls of the Congress of 
the United States of America.
  We are one, and we are resolute because we believe that an innocent 
baby was taken from us. That innocent baby, though she is not with us 
in the physical, will forever be with us in the spiritual as long as we 
remember who she was and never forget that we cannot allow the innocent 
to be stolen from us without our taking the time to pause and be 
grateful for the time that we had with the innocent.
  We are one, and we are resolute.
  We must also be resolute in a basic premise that Dr. King called to 
our attention, and that is that we must learn

[[Page 272]]

to live together as brothers and sisters, or we will perish together as 
fools.
  We are one, and we are resolute.
  Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, I now yield 2 minutes to the gentleman 
from Minnesota (Mr. Paulsen).
  Mr. PAULSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to my friend and 
colleague, Representative Gabrielle Giffords, one of many victims of a 
very senseless act of violence this past Saturday.
  I have had the pleasure of knowing Gabby and her husband, astronaut 
Mark Kelly, for several years--even before either of us stepped foot in 
this Chamber. In my district office, there is a photo of Gabby, myself, 
and others who were part of an Aspen Institute-Rodel fellowship 
program, which was created to explore the responsibilities of public 
leadership; advance thoughtful, civil, bipartisan dialogue; and help 
America's young leaders achieve their full potential. Gabby is so much 
about all of these ideals.
  Quite often, I found myself looking at this photo over the last few 
days; and I couldn't help but think that all of our communities could 
use a few more individuals like Gabby, whose bright smile and kind 
heart have come to define her tenure here in Congress.
  For many of us here today, the news of the tragedy was gut-wrenching. 
It's hard to believe that, just a few days before this senseless 
attack, my family and I were out visiting at the Air and Space Museum 
at Dulles Airport when we heard someone shout out my name. I turned 
around, and it was Gabby's husband, Mark, with Gabby and her parents in 
tow. We spent the next several minutes sharing a positive outlook about 
the new Congress that was upcoming and, as friends often do, recalling 
some of our good memories, such as when I joined Gabby with two of my 
daughters at one of Mark's space shuttle launches in Florida.
  Over the past few days, there have been many moving tributes to 
Gabby, and all of them are true. She leads by example with her fighting 
spirit, her diligent work ethic and friendly, constant smile. It is my 
hope that we can follow in Gabby's footsteps over the next several 
weeks and, as hard as it may be, can show the same bright smile and 
kind heart that she has shown all of us.
  My thoughts and prayers remain with Gabby, her husband, Mark; and 
their family; and with Gabby's staff--all of the victims and their 
families who are a part of this tragedy.
  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cohen).
  Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, I, as some of the future speakers here, are 
members of the class of 2006, which Representative Giffords was a 
member of. We had the opportunity to go through the orientation with 
her, to meet with Speaker Pelosi on many occasions, and to share many 
activities.
  Gabrielle Giffords is a tremendous Member of this House--bright, 
caring, beautiful--and we all pray for her recovery and that she comes 
back and works with us.
  I listened to her remarks on television when she talked about words 
having consequences and her brother-in-law, who is up in space, saying 
the same thing. It's true. Words have consequences, and we all need to 
be more concerned about how we speak about political opponents or 
people who have different perspectives than we do on political issues.
  We are all Americans. We are all human beings. We all have similar 
goals and similar aspirations; and even though we may differ on 
philosophy, that doesn't make us communists or socialists or Birchers 
or whatever. We are all trying to make this government work.
  One thing that we know about the person who did this shooting, 
besides the fact that he needed mental health treatment and was 
obviously crazy, is that he didn't like government. Government is good, 
and one thing we should learn from this is that government can be and 
is a good force. It is a lot about what America is. People who tear 
down government are doing a disservice to all of us, and they provide 
an atmosphere in which people think that anarchy is an answer. It is 
never an answer. Orwellianism is a philosophy that ought to be 
followed, and it isn't.
  Gabby works as a Congressperson to make government work for her 
people, and that's what she was doing with her program on Saturday. The 
staffers who were there were working on the weekend, as many staffers 
do, and they work long hours. They love government and they love 
people, and they try to make a difference.
  So I think we just need to remember that we are all human beings, 
that we all have similar goals and aspirations, that government can and 
is good, and it is the representative body of the United States of 
America. If you don't like the government, you don't like the country, 
and I love the country and so did Gabby.
  Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, I now yield 3 minutes to the gentleman 
from Texas (Mr. McCaul).
  Mr. McCAUL. I thank the gentleman.
  Madam Speaker, we gather here today in this House and as a Nation to 
mourn the tragic events in Tucson, Arizona; to honor those who lost 
their lives and those still fighting for them; to honor the heroic acts 
on that dark day; and to condemn the perpetrator for this senseless act 
of violence.
  The last few days have been surreal. When I first heard the news, I 
was shocked and disturbed that one of our own had been shot--someone I 
am privileged to call a friend and a colleague. As the Speaker said, 
when one of us is attacked, all of us are attacked. This experience has 
been painful to all of us and hits too close to home.
  Professionally, I was fortunate to have worked with Gabrielle 
Giffords, or Gabby, as she is affectionately called. We both serve on 
the Science and Technology and Foreign Affairs Committees. She is 
passionate, bright, and a delight to be around. Gabby is a talented 
lawmaker who always works effectively across the aisle to get things 
done for the American people. I am honored to have been one of those 
she chose to work with.
  She always told me Arizona and Texas are sunshine States and we need 
to harness that energy. I agreed with her, and together we introduced 
and passed the Solar Technology Roadmap Act. She often talked about 
being from border States and that we needed security to protect our way 
of life. We passed a $600 million appropriation for more resources on 
the border.
  As everybody knows, she is a staunch advocate for NASA, and she is 
married to an astronaut. She passionately defended the space program; 
and we worked together, with many others, to save the Human Spaceflight 
Program. In fact, the last time I saw Gabby, a week ago, we were 
getting off the elevator over there to vote on the floor here, and we 
talked about NASA.
  She said in her classic way, Yeah, but we can always do better. That 
was her spirit--we can always do better.
  We often talked about putting together a delegation of Members to 
witness the last shuttle flight, the one that her husband, Mark, is 
commanding. I hope we will still have that opportunity.
  So when I received the news that she had been shot, it had a profound 
and personal impact upon me--for, above all, she is my friend. She is a 
bright ray of sunshine in what is too often a dark world.
  Coming out of a tough election, she often talked about moderation and 
of toning down the partisan rhetoric to get things done for the 
American people. I know that it is her sincere hope that, as her wounds 
heal, so, too, will the wound inflicted upon this Nation and that the 
political discourse in this country will be restored to one of 
civility.

                              {time}  1150

  I pray for her and all those affected by this horrible tragedy. I 
pray that one day she will return to this floor and join her 
colleagues, and I am confident that she will. For above all, she is a 
passionate fighter and an eternal optimist.
  So keep fighting, Gabby, for we need you and more people like you in 
this world. May God bless you, and may He hold you in the palm of His 
hand.
  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley).

[[Page 273]]


  Mr. CROWLEY. I thank my friend from Arizona for yielding me this 
time.
  First, Madam Speaker, I want to recognize and give thanks to the 
leadership of the House--in particular Nancy Pelosi, and more so this 
morning to Speaker John Boehner--for this beautiful resolution that we 
have before us today. I said on Sunday that his remarks were 
appropriately brief when he said, ``An attack upon one of us is an 
attack upon all of us.'' It could not have been better said in 
reflection upon what took place in our country on Saturday. Judge John 
Roll, Gabe Zimmerman, Christina Green, Dorothy Morris, Phyllis Schneck, 
and Dorwan Stoddard all were taken from us too soon by a crazed and 
depraved individual.
  I wanted to take a moment to also mention the wonderful staff of 
Gabby Giffords. I had the opportunity on Saturday afternoon, being in 
Washington, to stop by her office and immediately was moved by the 
palpable sense of love and affection that was throughout their room, 
not only for Gabby, but for all the victims and particularly their 
fellow colleagues.
  I also want to take this opportunity to thank all of our staffs--whom 
maybe many of us in Congress take for granted--for their tireless work 
and their efforts to serve the people of our constituency and of our 
great country, not always reflecting upon sometimes the danger that we 
can't avoid.
  Gabby Giffords and I go back even prior to her getting elected. I had 
the great opportunity to endorse her early in her primary because I was 
so moved by the moxie and the strength of Gabby Giffords when I visited 
Arizona. She often would say to me when she was around Mark, you know: 
Mark always tells me, Joe Crowley, that I'm his second favorite Member 
of Congress and you're the first. She said that, I think, because she 
knows how I was unabashed about my admiration for her.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen). The time of the gentleman 
has expired.
  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 30 
seconds to the gentleman from New York.
  Mr. CROWLEY. The last conversation I had prior to this incident was 
last Friday when she asked me: Joe, can I chair the new Dem Task Force 
on Energy? She was trying to convince me somehow that I had to let her 
do this. And I just said: Gabby, you're not a freshman Member of the 
House. Yeah, you're going to do that. Don't worry about that.
  But she was always trying to convince. She's a star. We know it. 
Every Member here knows it, Democrat and Republican. This woman has 
something that many of us wish we had, and that is an inner beauty. And 
if we can take something away from this event, this tragic event, aside 
from the issues of rhetoric and aside from the issues of gun control--
and mental illness, which we do not give enough time to in this 
country--it is the beauty of this woman and what she reflects upon this 
institution.
  Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Gohmert).
  Mr. GOHMERT. Madam Speaker, Gabrielle Giffords is always a bright 
spot in this rather dull, moody, self-absorbed body called Congress. 
She is easy to work with no matter on which side of the aisle we happen 
to be. We all find ourselves being criticized, but few of us have been 
able to respond with the grace and class with which Gabby has.
  Today, we mourn the loss of all those killed during the evil shooting 
spree in Tucson. I know we are praying for the victims' families, that 
somehow, through their devastating loss and heartbreak, they may still 
find that peace that passes all understanding. For those who have 
survived the assault, may they find healing in the shadow of the 
Almighty.
  Hearing so much these days about the need for congenial discourse, we 
might look at Gabby Giffords as a living example of how we go about 
discerning the roadmap to get to the desired decorum. I'm sure both 
sides of the aisle wish the other side worked with others as well as 
Gabby does. She makes people here in Congress smile just by showing up.
  Her flights to and from Washington, D.C., often had us on the same 
flight to and from the Dallas/Fort Worth airport hub. Gabby knows I 
love chocolate, so when she sees me on her flight, she always lights up 
and says something like: Louie, I was hoping you would be on my flight. 
I need some chocolate.
  Gabby always finds something for which she can look forward. Our 
prayers remain with her.
  This is no time for assigning blame to anyone but the gunman. This is 
a time to note the positive influences from those who were harmed. This 
is a time to note and perpetuate the good in their lives so that they 
live on whether their heart beats or not. This is a time to learn from 
Gabby, who has a heart that both still beats and still inspires. We can 
learn from her attributes and her ability to smile even at those of us 
with whom we disagree as we pray for the opportunity for her smile to 
regain its vitality so she can go back to spreading her sunshine to all 
the places that need it.
  May God bless Gabby Giffords and all of those who are suffering 
because of this heinous attack as only He knows their most specific 
needs. May God further provide the comfort and peace that only comes 
from the embrace of His loving arms.
  Let me just close by saying that when I see her again, I'm going to 
have plenty of chocolate just for her.
  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
assistant to the leader, the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. 
Clyburn).
  Mr. CLYBURN. I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time.
  Madam Speaker, the Book of Micah, the religion that Gabby practices, 
raises a question: What would the Lord require of thee?
  And the question is answered in Micah 6:8: To do justly, love mercy, 
and walk humbly.
  I cannot think of anybody whom I have ever served with who 
personified that passage more than Gabby Giffords.
  In my faith, I practice that which is found in the Book of Luke, the 
10th chapter, where we get the story of the Good Samaritan. The 
question was asked of the lawyer who wanted to know what was required 
to have life everlasting. In the answer, the master said to him: In 
this and other things, love thy neighbor as thyself.
  Gabby Giffords is our neighbor, not just here in this body, but she 
is our neighbor on this great planet, because we learn from that story 
that being one's neighbor is not dependent upon one's religion, nor is 
it dependent upon one's ethnicity.

                              {time}  1200

  Being one's neighbor is dependent upon whether or not we have the 
capacity to show compassion. Gabby Giffords is our neighbor, and I'm 
pleased to honor her today.
  Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, I now yield 2 minutes to the gentleman 
from New Jersey (Mr. Lance).
  Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution.
  We come together to extend our thoughts and prayers to those who were 
killed and to those who were wounded during the horrific attack in 
Tucson on Saturday.
  As we gather in the people's House, we pray for the recovery of our 
colleague, Representative Giffords, and the others who were wounded, 
including those who serve the public in the Congresswoman's office. We 
mourn the loss of Judge Roll; Gabriel Zimmerman; the 9-year-old girl, 
Christina Taylor Green; and the others who were senselessly killed that 
terrible morning.
  While the horrific events in Tucson provide a stark reminder of the 
fragility of human life, we are also reminded that we meet on the floor 
of the House of Representatives in what Franklin Roosevelt, and more 
recently George W. Bush, have called ``the warm courage of national 
unity.'' We have heard the inspiring stories of those whose 
selflessness protected the lives of others.
  Violence has no place in the life of the American Nation. This 
tragedy will strengthen, not weaken, our resolve to serve the true 
principles of democracy.

[[Page 274]]

  May God bless those who are fighting for their lives as a result of 
this attack, and may the souls of those who were lost be received in 
His loving embrace.
  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff).
  Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, last Wednesday, this Nation and the world 
witnessed the orderly transfer of power in this House when Nancy Pelosi 
passed the Speaker's gavel on to Speaker John Boehner. That simple act 
occurred without violence. It occurred without soldiers in the streets 
or a massive show of force by the police. For most Americans, indeed 
for most people working in this building, the day was rather ordinary.
  Our lack of political violence, our tradition of resolving policy 
arguments in the legislature and the courtroom is one of the greatest 
gifts that the Founders and all of the generations that followed them 
have left to us. But, as we were so cruelly reminded last Saturday, our 
peaceful civil discourse can never be taken for granted. It is a gift 
that must be safeguarded.
  Last Saturday, our colleague, Gabby Giffords, set up shop outside a 
local Safeway in Tucson to engage her constituents to perform the 
central role of representative democracy--listening to the people. The 
hatred exhibited by the would-be assassin, before and during the 
shooting, was an assault on that connection between those of us who 
have the honor to serve and those we represent.
  My heart goes out to Gabby, her family and staff, and to the families 
and friends of Federal Judge John Roll, Congress staffer Gabe 
Zimmerman, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan Stoddard, Dorothy Morris, and 
Christina Taylor Green, who was born on September 11, 2001, and who 
deserved a longer life than this.
  And to Gabby and her staff here in the gallery today, there is one 
day that we look forward to above all others, and that is the day that 
Gabby walks back onto this House floor and stands before this podium 
and is recognized.
  We know that day will come, and we pray that it comes soon.
  Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, I now yield 3 minutes to the gentleman 
from Texas (Mr. Poe).
  Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Speaker, it was a Saturday morning, clear 
skies, and a wonderful day, and Gabby Giffords was doing what really 
she liked to do best, what many of us like to do best--talking to 
people that we represent and listening to those people back home.
  Friday, before she left for Tucson and I left for southeast Texas, we 
were talking here on the House floor. Gabby and I are friends. I have 
been to Iraq with her. And we were talking about border security. In 
fact, she had invited me to Tucson to see what takes place there and go 
to the border. I, likewise, have already invited her to Texas to see 
our border. And we work quite well together. She works with everybody 
quite well. And then she was off to the airport, going home.
  Many people don't realize that most Members of Congress go home every 
weekend. We don't live in Washington. We work in Washington, and we 
commute. And she was headed to the airport, excited to go back and see 
the people that she represents.
  And then Saturday morning, an evildoer came to a public gathering and 
attacked Gabby. He really attacked our Nation, because there was a 
crowd of citizens, old and young, that was peaceably assembling to 
learn more about America--to participate in the American process in 
dealing with their representative, Gabby Giffords.
  We should remember the victims that were shot and killed that day. 
The evildoer, his name is not important. He should be held personally 
accountable for his actions. His trial should be swift. If convicted, 
his punishment should be severe. But it is the victims that we honor, 
that we remember in this cruel episode of evil.
  You know, Christina Taylor Green, a 9-year-old girl, just elected to 
the student council in her third grade class. She liked politics. She 
wanted to be more involved, and that's why she was there Saturday 
morning with Gabby Giffords. She was born on 9/11, a 9-year-old girl, 
her life stolen in her youth.
  All of us who are parents, grandparents, we never want to see our 
child or someone else's child taken before their time. But that's what 
happened to Christina Taylor Green, apparently a wonderful, wonderful 
young person.
  You know, Gabby Giffords is a fighter, and she fights for her 
beliefs, make no question about it. Everybody who knows her, knows 
where she stands on issues. My grandmother described her years ago 
without even knowing it. My grandmother was probably the most 
influential person in my life. My friends on that side of the aisle 
would appreciate the fact that she was a Yellow Dog Democrat and never 
forgave me for being a Republican. But she made a comment about people 
like Gabby. She said, ``There is nothing more powerful than a woman 
that has made up her mind.'' Gabby Giffords is that woman.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
  Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, I yield the gentleman an additional 30 
seconds.
  Mr. POE of Texas. She's made up her mind about her beliefs. She's 
made up her mind about the will to represent the people in Arizona. And 
I believe she's made up her mind to survive, because only 5 percent of 
gunshot wounds to the head, those people, survive. And she will be one 
of them.
  So we recognize her; we honor her, and we look forward to seeing her 
on this House floor again, being that strong-willed woman, that feisty 
woman from Arizona.
  And that's just the way it is.
  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlelady from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).
  Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Congresswoman Giffords loved America, and she loved America's values, 
and America blessed her with opportunities. American values give us all 
the opportunity to do our best and to be our best. Last Saturday, 
Congresswoman Giffords was at her best--meeting the people of Arizona, 
of Tucson, and the United States of America.
  But Congresswoman Giffords would also ask us to do our best. And as 
the Bible has said, she was a woman who used her talents well.
  She would also want us to acknowledge the Americans who have poured 
out their hearts during this tragedy all over this Nation.

                              {time}  1210

  Americans did their best Saturday. And good Americans lost their 
lives being good Americans. We know of those who lost their lives and 
offered to us a sacrifice: Christina Taylor Green, Dorothy Morris, 
Judge John Roll, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan Stoddard, and Gabriel 
Zimmerman of her staff.
  We are well aware of what happened. And we say to Congresswoman 
Giffords, keep on fighting for your life, along with others who were 
wounded, while the heroes of that day, Mr. Hernandez and others, 
reflect on the horror. But hopefully, they know that they did their 
best.
  Now it is time for us to do our best, to be a servant leader, giving 
to others first, showing by example. It is so very important that we do 
so in her name. To Captain Kelly, a brave American and family, we stand 
by you, we stand by your side. You will not stand by yourself. To 
Congresswoman Giffords' staff, we stand with you, and we pray for you 
and your loss and those who are wounded.
  We are committed to both our freedom of expression and our job to 
create a more perfect Union. And yes, in the words of Scott Kelly, as I 
offer them today, Mark's twin brother, ``We have a unique vantage point 
here aboard the international space station. As I look out the window, 
I see a very beautiful planet that seems very inviting and peaceful. 
Unfortunately, it is not. These days, we are constantly reminded of the 
unspeakable acts of violence and damage we can inflict upon one 
another, not just with our actions

[[Page 275]]

but also with our irresponsible words. We are better than this. We must 
do better.''
  I agree, we can do better. And we can follow these words.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. I yield the gentlewoman an additional 30 
seconds.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon 
which cuts without wounding and ennobles the man who wields it as a 
sword that heals. Let us use nonviolence in our expression. Let us 
denounce violence. And as Martin Luther King would tell us, that we can 
be a people of peace. And I know that we know the words of John Lennon, 
``Let it be.'' But the truth will let us be free. And I look forward to 
the gentlelady from Tucson, Arizona, being here with us. God bless you, 
and God bless America.
  I rise today to voice my strongest, sincerest and most heartfelt 
support for House Resolution 32, ``Expressing the Sense of the House of 
Representatives with Respect to the Tragic Shooting in Tucson, Arizona, 
on January 8, 2011.'' This resolution rightly condemns the horrific 
attack which occurred that fateful Saturday at the ``Congress on Your 
Corner'' event held by our beloved colleague, Representative Gabrielle 
Giffords. Representative Giffords was doing something she loved to do; 
something so fundamentally important to which every member of Congress 
can relate. She and her dedicated staff were truly bringing Congress 
home to the constituents on ``Main Street'' and making sure that they 
knew their national government was accessible to them, cared about 
them, was there to listen to their concerns and to work together with 
them to make this country a better place, beginning with their own 
community.
  It is only fitting, that on the opening day of the 112th Congress, 
Representative Giffords read from the First Amendment of the 
Constitution which states that ``Congress shall make no law . . . 
abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the 
people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a 
redress of grievances.''
  This devastating tragedy touched the hearts and minds of not only the 
good people of Tucson, Arizona, but indeed the very hearts and minds of 
all Americans. At that moment, everyone in America, and in many places 
throughout the world, collectively identified with the good people of 
Tucson. We felt their shock, we felt their pain and we shared their 
anguish over the senseless killing and injury of innocent people who 
simply gathered at a comfortable, well known local establishment to 
participate in our great democracy with their friend and Congresswoman, 
Gabrielle Giffords. We mourn the needless loss of life and condemn this 
atrocious infliction of pain, injury and suffering. We pray for the 
swift healing of all wounds, both physical and spiritual, for those who 
suffered from this tragedy. We pay tribute to the value and sanctity of 
every life, and we count our blessings.
  Among those blessings, I am privileged to count the time I spent 
serving alongside Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in the House of 
Representatives, and I look forward to serving with her again very 
soon. She embodies the kind of goodness, selflessness, caring and 
passion for helping others that make her constituents in Tucson and 
throughout the state of Arizona justly proud.
  Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords loves her district, the state of 
Arizona, and loves our great country. She loves America's values and 
America blessed her with opportunities. America's values give us all 
the opportunity to do our best and to be our best, and Congresswoman 
Giffords did just that, making the most of her talents. Congresswoman 
Giffords was at her best last Saturday meeting with the people. She is 
truly a ``servant-leader'' like all of us, in this august legislative 
body.
  Congresswoman Giffords would also ask us to do our best and to 
acknowledge the Americans who poured their hearts out during this 
tragedy. Americans in Tucson and across the country did their best to 
respond to this tragedy last Saturday, and many good Americans lost 
their lives being heroic Americans.
  I pay tribute to the six individuals who lost their lives on 
Saturday, January 8, 2011, at the ``Congress on Your Corner'' event in 
Tucson, Arizona. The assassin's bullets did not discriminate; they took 
the lives of young and old alike. We mourn the loss of Gabriel 
Zimmerman, the Community Outreach Director who shared Representative 
Gifford's passion for personally connecting with constituents at the 
local level to improve the quality of their lives and to simply be a 
good friend and neighbor. We mourn the loss of nine-year-old Christina 
Taylor Green, who lost her life on that tragic day. She serves as an 
example for us all. She had just been elected to her school student 
council, and she attended the ``Congress on Your Corner'' event with 
great interest. At the tender age of 9, she was already a leader with a 
promising future. We also pay our most sincere tribute to and mourn 
Federal Judge John Roll, Dorothy Morris, Phyllis Schneck and Dorwan 
Stoddard, who also needlessly lost their lives that day while 
exercising their right to peaceably assemble and participate in our 
democracy.
  Furthermore, I pay tribute to the many heroes of all ages who 
demonstrated the most unselfish bravery and came to the aid of all 
those in attendance at the ``Congress on Your Corner'' event. Among 
those, we admire the 61 year old Patricia Maisch, who bravely risked 
the loss of her own life and effectively disarmed the shooter as 
several men pounced on him and threw him to ground. As they struggled 
to hold him down, Maisch joined the group of people wrestling on the 
ground, clinging to the gunman's ankles, and she grabbed the gunman's 
bullet clip before he could reload and continue his savage attack. 
Patricia Maisch humbly said, ``I am not a hero. The other guys are. I 
just assisted getting the clip.''
  Congresswoman Giffords is also close to her family and married to 
Captain Mark Kelly, who honors this great nation with his service as a 
NASA Astronaut at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. This tragic 
event occurred on the eve of Mark Kelly's planned command of the last 
shuttle mission to the Space Station. His twin brother, Captain Scott 
Kelly, also honors this nation with his service as a NASA Astronaut.
  Space station Commander Scott Kelly led NASA in a moment of silence 
Monday January 11, 2011, as he struggled with the senseless shooting of 
his sister-in-law, Gabrielle Giffords. He was in outer space at the 
time of the shooting. Flight controllers in Houston fell silent as 
Scott Kelly spoke via radio from space. ``We have a unique vantage 
point here aboard the International Space Station,'' he said. ``As I 
look out the window, I see a very beautiful planet that seems very 
inviting and peaceful. Unfortunately, it is not. These days, we are 
constantly reminded of the unspeakable acts of violence and damage we 
can inflict upon one another, not just with our actions, but also with 
our irresponsible words. We're better than this. We must do better.''
  Congresswoman Giffords is now fighting for her life along with others 
who were wounded on that fateful day while the heroes of that day 
reflect on the horrible tragedy that occurred and hopefully, remaining 
cognizant that they did their best in the most trying of circumstances. 
Now it is time for us to do our best, to be servant-leaders giving to 
others first and leading by example.
  To Captain Kelly and his family, we stand by your side; you do not 
stand alone. To Congresswoman Giffords' staff, we stand with you too 
and extend our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your fellow staff 
member, Gabriel Zimmerman, and our prayers for your wounded fellow 
staff members.
  We are committed to both our freedom of expression and our 
Constitution's constant pursuit to create a more perfect union. We as a 
nation are better than what occurred in Tucson on Saturday, and we are 
showing it today and must continue to show it every day henceforth. As 
we approach the holiday commemorating the life of slain civil rights 
leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I am reminded of his commitment to 
nonviolence. Dr. King's timeless words ring especially true at this 
time. He reminds us that ``Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon, 
which cuts without wounding and ennobles the man who wields it. It is a 
sword that heals.''
  In the wake of this shocking event and at this crucial moment in our 
nation's history, I call for a commitment from all of my colleagues in 
the United States Congress to act and speak with a renewed and inspired 
sense of civility and respect for one another in our discourse. I call 
for a restoration of the time honored history and tradition of this 
great legislative chamber, which includes an atmosphere of decorum, 
comity, collegiality, and respect, even while we discuss the most hotly 
debated issues of our day.
  We have before us a great opportunity to lead by example and remind 
the people of this nation and throughout the world about what makes our 
democracy truly unique and special. We need only recall that we are 
here as the duly elected Members of Congress to represent the people of 
our districts, our states and this country. We can demonstrate we truly 
reflect the voices of the people who sent us here. As we go about 
conducting the nation's business, we can comport ourselves with respect 
and dignity toward one another even when we disagree. A nation is 
watching. What

[[Page 276]]

we do at this critical time is of great importance.
  We have the rare opportunity to honor those tragic victims of January 
8, 2011, by setting a new national tone of civility. Then, our 
constituents will know that we truly speak for them. I urge my 
colleagues to join me in this commitment.
  Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Ohio (Mr. Turner).
  Mr. TURNER. Madam Speaker, I am saddened to take part in today's 
tribute to our colleague Gabrielle Giffords, who was so senselessly 
shot this weekend; her outreach coordinator, Gabe Zimmerman, who was 
killed in the line of duty during the incident; two other staff who 
were wounded while supporting the Congresswoman; and all of those who 
were killed, wounded, and impacted by this terrible tragedy.
  Congresswoman Giffords was performing the most fundamental duty of a 
Member of Congress, listening to her constituents. All Members of 
Congress take the role of being an advocate for their constituents 
seriously. For Congresswoman Giffords, it's promoting solar energy 
production to boost the local economy, or being a voice for military 
families, and working to secure the border with Mexico.
  Today I stand here to say not as a Republican, not as a Democrat, but 
as an American that violence has no place in our society. And I wish 
and pray for peace and justice for all of those who have been involved 
in this tragedy.
  My thoughts and prayers, as well of those of my family and the people 
of Ohio's Third District, remain with Congresswoman Giffords, her 
staff, her constituents, and their families.
  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
distinguished gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega).
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, our hearts and prayers go out to our 
colleague and friend Gabby Giffords and her family. And equally noted 
are six of her constituents and fellow Americans who died as a result 
of this tragic incident, and several others who were injured and 
wounded at this time. We also pray for God's good grace and comforting 
Spirit to be upon them as well.
  I deeply appreciate the initiative and leadership of both parties to 
bring this resolution to the floor for consideration, not only to give 
special tribute to our colleague and friend Gabby Giffords, for her 
courage and commitment to public service, but to also give us all an 
opportunity to seriously reflect on what we need to do to change the 
atmosphere, if you will, of what we do and say not only among 
ourselves, but to our fellow Americans throughout this great Nation of 
ours.
  I'm not much for giving speeches, Madam Speaker. But today I felt it 
was important that our friend and colleague Gabby Giffords needs to 
know how much we all appreciate her friendship and admire her character 
and her courage to be an example of what true public service is about. 
One great lesson I learned from Gabby Giffords is her comment that 
words do have consequences. And I have also learned a couple more 
phrases--cut the rhetoric, let's lower the temperature in our discourse 
with one another.
  And there is also an island expression that goes like this: E pala le 
ma'a ae le pala le tala--meaning while rocks and stones may deteriorate 
or erode, words never die. I pray we will find that balance and move 
our country forward to solve the problems our country is greatly 
confronted with at this time.
  Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Indiana (Mr. Pence).
  Mr. PENCE. I thank the distinguished majority leader for yielding 
time.
  Like every American, I will never forget where I was last Saturday. 
My wife and I were shocked and saddened when we learned of the attack 
on our colleague Gabby Giffords, her staff, and her constituents. 
Gabby's a hard worker, a talented legislator. But as has been said 
poignantly on this floor so much better than I will ever be able to 
today, she is a dear person and a unique individual who is universally 
liked in the House of Representatives.
  We are praying for her recovery, the recovery of all those injured, 
and the comfort of the families of the fallen. I rise with gratitude to 
the leadership of both parties in this institution for moving this 
thoughtful resolution to the floor. Today the American people speak 
with one voice. We will condemn these unspeakable and evil acts. We 
will remember the injured and the lost. And we will gently reaffirm our 
ideals.
  This act was an unspeakable act of violence. And those responsible 
must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. But as we mourn 
with those who mourn, two words of gentle admonition. First, we cannot 
fear free assembly because of the acts of a single assailant. We live 
in an open society and enjoy representative democracy under our 
Constitution. Our system depends on regular and informal contact with 
our elected Representatives. And neither the public nor its servants 
should be dissuaded from participating in public assembly because of 
the despicable acts of a single deranged person.
  Lastly, I understand the pain that Saturday last has caused for so 
many in this body and around the country. But we cannot fear free and 
open debate. Democracy depends on heavy doses of civility. And as my 
colleagues know, I have always sought to model that, here on the floor 
and elsewhere. We should always refrain from engaging in personal 
verbal attacks against those with whom we differ on important questions 
of the day.
  But let me say we must also resist, in these moments of heartache, 
the temptation to assign blame to those with whom we differ for the 
acts of others. No expressed opinion on the left or the right was to 
blame for Saturday's attack. And we must resist efforts to suggest 
otherwise. Because to do so has the potential to inhibit and erode our 
freedom.
  So we rise to mourn with those who mourn, to grieve with those who 
grieve. We cannot fail to be moved by the tragic events in Arizona. We 
must not fail to pray earnestly for all those affected. And we will not 
fail to defend our freedom lest it be one more victim of the horrific 
event in Tucson on Saturday last.
  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Higgins).

                              {time}  1220

  Mr. HIGGINS. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Madam Speaker, the outpouring of support from every corner of western 
New York for the victims of the attack in Tucson has been overwhelming 
and inspiring.
  It is on behalf of western New York that I offer our prayers to my 
friend and colleague, Gabby Giffords, and to all the injured and our 
sympathies to the families and friends of Gabe Zimmerman, John Roll, 
Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan Stoddard, and Christina Taylor Green.
  Some are suggesting that violence-themed political rhetoric 
contributed to this tragedy. I think it would be wise to reflect on how 
we characterize our political opponents and how we conduct our debate. 
Undoubtedly our debate could benefit from more light and less heat, 
from more humility and less hostility.
  But this attack was carried out by a man who appears to have been 
severely mentally ill, and we may never understand why he did what it 
is he did.
  Our best response to this atrocity is to reject fear and intimidation 
and to embrace the work in our communities with joy, openness, and 
dedication. That is the type of public service that Gabby believes in, 
and I urge my colleagues to follow her example.
  Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the chairman of the 
Education and Workforce Committee, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. 
Kline).
  Mr. KLINE. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Madam Speaker, Saturday was a dark day for the residents of Tucson, 
Arizona, and our Nation.
  In the blink of an eye the lives of men, women and children who were 
going about their daily routines were

[[Page 277]]

forever changed. One troubled, twisted soul robbed six innocent 
individuals of their lives and cast a dark shadow over a fundamental 
right of our democracy, the exchange of ideas between a Representative 
and the community she represents.
  Madam Speaker, in an effort to find meaning in this tragedy, it is 
tempting to assign blame or to draw conclusions in support of a larger 
pattern, but what we witnessed this weekend is void of rationale. We 
must recognize the disaster for the senseless act it is, but we should 
not stop there.
  As the men and women we represent mourn those who were lost and rally 
to support a brave public servant who is battling for her life, we in 
this body have a responsibility to lead the way. We must demonstrate 
our resolve to continue the important work of listening to our 
constituents and legislating on their behalf. We must press on, 
undeterred by panic, in carrying out the work we have been elected to 
do. We must demonstrate that America is strong, her institutions are 
unshakeable, and her people are brave and determined.
  Madam Speaker, I join my colleagues in expressing condolences to the 
family and friends of the victims of this tragedy and sending my 
prayers to our colleague, Gabby Giffords, in her time of need. May she 
find the strength to recover and join us in leading the way forward.
  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum).
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, this House and this entire Nation extend 
our support, love and best wishes to our colleague, Representative 
Gabrielle Giffords, and to all those wounded in Saturday's shooting. We 
also mourn the deaths, the tragic senseless deaths of six Americans who 
were participating in street-corner democracy with their Congresswoman.
  My Minnesota constituents feel the pain and loss inflicted by a few 
seconds of gun violence. A St. Paul constituent visited my office on 
Monday and wrote a note to Congresswoman Giffords, and the note said: 
``I pray for your recovery. I want you to be strong and continue to be 
the fighter that you are so you can continue to serve the people of 
America.''
  I too am praying for you, Gabby, for Mark, for your family, and for 
all of the families who are in pain and those in mourning.
  May such unspeakable acts of violence end in this country, and may 
all Americans find the strength to live in peace.
  Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, it is now my honor to yield 3 minutes to 
the majority whip, the gentleman from California (Mr. McCarthy).
  Mr. McCARTHY of California. I thank the gentleman.
  Madam Speaker, I recall a short time ago, after the election in 2006, 
I came in a freshman class. All the Members here, when they come here 
together right after the election, they get together as freshmen. You 
have gone through a debate, you have gone through an election, and you 
look around and you are meeting people from across the country.
  I remember in that class when we looked across there were a lot of 
different people, but Gabby's smile just lights up the room. She didn't 
sit back to wait to talk to everybody on different sides of the aisle. 
She did it just as she has done every day on this floor, walked right 
up, introduced herself and says how can we work together. When you look 
just last week, Gabby was sitting on this floor, standing right in this 
well, reading the Constitution, the First Amendment, going home, doing 
what she has done many times before, listening to her constituents, 
what all of us do.
  What has transpired, we cannot let happen. We cannot be deterred, 
just from that same aspect that Gabby gives the strength as she fights 
right now, and we cannot forget those that lost their lives.
  We cannot forget the Federal Chief District Justice John Roll; Gabe 
Zimmerman, working for Gabby's staff; 9-year-old Christina Taylor 
Green, being elected in student council, just wanting to meet her 
Representative and a neighbor taking her down; also Dorothy Morris, 
Dorwan Stoddard or Phyllis Schneck, doing what they thought was every 
American's right to do and give their opinion.
  That's what this floor has to be committed to, that's what this floor 
has to continue to fight. That is exactly what Gabby continues to fight 
for and will continue as we go.
  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Garamendi).
  Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the men and women of the 
10th Congressional District, I rise in support of this resolution and 
bring to this floor their condolences and prayers for the six who were 
murdered in Tucson and for Gabby and for her speedy recovery.
  Patti and I send along our own special prayers and condolences. For 
those of us that have had the privilege of working with Gabrielle, I 
add my own special thoughts.
  I came to the Committee on Science and Technology where she was the 
chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Space and immediately saw her 
incredible intelligence, her charm and wit as she conducted numerous 
hearings, and came to understand her commitment to America's science 
and technology and space as she led our committee to the 
reauthorization of the NASA programs.
  I look forward to her speedy recovery and her return to this floor, 
where she can once again provide her talents and her leadership as she 
would once again lead us in our efforts to bring about a better 
understanding, not only of the space and this role of our planet in the 
cosmos, but also our own personal understanding to each other and to 
our constituents.
  It was a sad day on Saturday, and it will be a bright future when 
Gabrielle returns to this floor.
  Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, it is now my honor to yield 3 minutes to 
the chairman of the Republican Conference, the gentleman from Texas 
(Mr. Hensarling).
  Mr. HENSARLING. I appreciate the gentleman from Virginia, the 
distinguished majority leader, for yielding.
  Madam Speaker, I haven't come to the House floor with any prepared 
remarks. Frankly, I am not sure my vocabulary, I am not sure my 
thoughts can do the moment justice.
  I would say, in the victim that we know, Congresswoman Giffords, 
Gabby, if there is a sweeter, a kinder, a more gentle Member of the 
House, I know not their name.
  So many of us consider her to be a friend. I think if there were a 
poll of Members of the House, she would probably be voted least likely 
to offend any human being, which makes this incident, this tragedy so 
unfathomable. We all pray for her full recovery. This House is not 
whole without her smile, without her voice, without her presence.
  Madam Speaker, I did not know Gabe Zimmerman; but I know a lot of 
great Americans, young people, who decide to dedicate themselves to 
public service and work on my staff, and I know how they are a part of 
my extended family.

                              {time}  1230

  I didn't know Dorwan Stoddard, Phyllis Schneck, Dorothy Morris, but 
they're parents, they're grandparents, they're spouses, and we think of 
our own family. I didn't know Judge John Roll. But, again, somebody who 
committed their life to public service. And last but not least I don't 
know Christina Taylor Green. I didn't have that pleasure. A 9-year-old 
child thrilled to learn about our representative democracy and brought 
down in an act of evil. I never met her. But I think about my 8-year-
old daughter, and I think about my 7-year-old son, and how they learn 
about their father's business.
  And so all of us come together in this time of mourning but this time 
of resolution. We mourn the loss of these great American citizens, but 
we resolve that the representative democracy, that the traditions of 
the House will not be a casualty of this tragedy. The people's House 
will be open. The Members representative will be accessible. It can be 
no different in this country.

[[Page 278]]

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
  Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, I yield the gentleman an additional 30 
seconds.
  Mr. HENSARLING. We cannot allow the tragedy to be compounded by 
changing the way we conduct the people's business. This cannot happen. 
And so we come here today to mourn, but we come here to be resolved 
that this individual who is responsible for a heinous, evil act will 
not succeed in interfering with the people's business in the people's 
House. Godspeed in her recovery to Gabby, our colleague.
  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt).
  Mr. HOLT. I thank the gentleman.
  Madam Speaker, we come to the floor with respect, compassion and yes, 
love for those who have lost loved ones in Tucson last Saturday and for 
those who are recovering from the physical and psychological wounds. We 
also come to pay tribute and show love and send our best wishes to 
Representative Giffords and to Mark Kelly. I hope they feel our love. 
Our colleague is a beautiful person and everything one would want in a 
congressional representative--thoughtful, engaged, compassionate, 
optimistic and a genuinely good person. We also recognize those who 
responded, staff members quietly going about making democracy work, 
bystanders, medical responders and surgeons, ordinary people doing 
extraordinary things.
  This hits us on more than a personal level, though. Each year, there 
are many thousands of Americans felled by gunfire. Each is a personal 
tragedy to the victim's loved ones. The Tucson shooting strikes a blow 
to our ability to govern ourselves, to maintain a peaceful society. The 
rights to assembly peaceably and to speak freely are preserved not just 
for their own sake, but, as the geniuses who established this country 
recognized, it is through those rights that we can create a society 
that protects and extends life, liberty and happiness.
  There are lessons to be drawn from the events about our understanding 
of people with mental illness and their screening and treatment. There 
are lessons to be drawn about our gun crazy culture. There are lessons 
to be drawn about the ever-present inflammatory, dehumanizing rhetoric, 
but let us defer those discussions for the moment and recognize that we 
are a strong, prosperous and supportive country because of our 
representative democracy and our freedom to assemble and speak.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. I yield the gentleman an additional 30 
seconds.
  Mr. HOLT. Let us in Congress not withdraw. Let us hold more outreach, 
more town halls, more sidewalk office hours. And let us, in the words 
of Representative Giffords delivered here on the floor of the House, 
let us agree to forgo some of our individual interests and intemperance 
to allow the space for open dialogue, debate and discussion.
  Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, it is now my honor to yield 2 minutes to 
the chief deputy whip on the Republican side of the aisle, the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Roskam).
  Mr. ROSKAM. Madam Speaker, I thank the leader for yielding.
  You know, one of the untold stories of the House of Representatives 
is the connections that Members have with one another that really never 
show up, except among ourselves. I had a unique connection with 
Gabrielle Giffords, I still do, and that is when we came in in this 
class of 2006, we were both invited to participate, one on one or two 
together, in a series of interviews that was hosted by National Public 
Radio, the show All Things Considered. I had not met Gabrielle before 
that and we started this dialogue back and forth and really enjoyed 
that. And I found that she had this very refreshing and winsome 
approach, as we all know, to how she would handle herself and how she 
conducts herself.
  So it's really no surprise to me that we're hearing hopeful news 
about her medical condition based on a disposition of perseverance. And 
I thought that the conversations that I was involved in with her 
brought a brightness to public life and brought something that as I 
heard from constituents that would listen to her, they would say to me, 
I can see how you would like serving with people like that. And that is 
sort of the lost lead, I think, in some ways about the House of 
Representatives.
  We were heartsick on Saturday when we heard that news. I know many of 
my constituents who are to their knees in prayer for Gabrielle and for 
the victims of that shooting. And so as I think we all reflect on the 
gift that we have been given, we have a great example in Gabrielle 
Giffords in somebody who understands the nature of democracy and real 
willingness to serve, and we wish her the very best and pray for her 
complete recovery.
  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Perlmutter).
  Mr. PERLMUTTER. I thank the gentleman from Arizona.
  Madam Speaker, I had the opportunity to know Gabby before we were 
elected to the Congress. She was in the State legislature in Arizona; I 
was in the State legislature in Colorado. She was one of the youngest 
people ever elected to the State legislature there in Arizona and she 
has been a friend of mine for some time now. I am having a hard time 
processing what actually occurred last Saturday to her and to those 
other people. Our prayers obviously are with her, with the families of 
those who were murdered, and for the swift recovery of everybody who 
was injured in that shooting. I rise in support of the resolution and I 
thank the leadership for bringing it.
  The second paragraph of the resolution says, Whereas on January 8, 
2011, an armed gunman opened fire at a ``Congress on Your Corner'' 
event hosted by Representative Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson.
  I want to explain what it was she was doing, because it's at the 
heart of our democracy. We've heard about it from other speakers. We do 
something like Gabby's ``Congress on Your Corner,'' which we call, 
``Government in the Grocery.'' Other Congressmen and women do similar 
things. It's about listening to your constituents. It's about being 
accessible in a less formal setting than on the floor of the House of 
Representatives or in an assembly hall but where people feel 
comfortable talking to you. So comfortable and so successful was her 
``Congress on the Corner'' that she had the littlest, most innocent 
person in Christina Taylor Green, a 9-year-old, to one of Arizona's 
most powerful, experienced people, in the chief district judge, John 
Roll, coming to a very informal setting, at a grocery store, to talk 
about America, to talk about their hopes, their desires, their 
concerns. This is what it's all about.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. I yield the gentleman an additional 30 
seconds.
  Mr. PERLMUTTER. This woman was conducting something so essential to 
the fabric of our democracy.

                              {time}  1240

  And to the grocery stores, the coffee shops, and the flea markets, 
those that provide these venues where people feel comfortable to come 
and express their views, just, thank you.
  I do these kinds of events every other Saturday. We obviously have to 
work with the different grocery stores and law enforcement to see if we 
can continue to operate in these fashions, but this is what it's all 
about.
  Gabby Giffords is as good as they get. We pray for her speedy 
recovery, and we thank her for her service.
  Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, it's now my honor to yield 2 minutes to 
the chairman of the Rules Committee, the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Dreier).
  Mr. DREIER. I appreciate our distinguished majority leader for 
yielding me this time.
  Madam Speaker, obviously, this is, as everyone has said, an 
extraordinarily challenging time for this institution. And we have to 
remember that this institution is the people's House, and so,

[[Page 279]]

by extension, this is a challenging time for the United States of 
America.
  When we think about the victims ranging in age from age 9 to 79, and 
when we think about our colleague, who is at this moment wounded and 
recovering, it is, as my friend from Colorado has just said, 
extraordinarily far reaching. And we need to expend time and energy 
soul-searching. And I think that last Saturday's tragedy is going to 
lead all of us to do that.
  I do believe that engaging in civil discourse is something that is 
essential, and I believe it is what our framers wanted us to do. I 
regularly say in this House that James Madison wanted there to be a 
clash of ideas, and I think that we need to make sure that that 
continues.
  But at the same time, I think it's important for us to remember that 
we are not dealing, based on every shred of evidence we have now, with 
anything political as it relates to what took place on Saturday. As 
George Will said over the weekend, there are 308 million Americans, and 
a few of them are unhinged. And we need to remember that. But while we 
remember that, I think it's imperative for us to do everything that we 
can to remember the responsibility that we have, to remember the great 
people who are public servants and serve as our staff members and are 
regularly on the front line, and to do everything that we can to 
ensure, as we proceed as an institution, that we do our job and, as 
Speaker Boehner has said, don't do anything that will impinge on our 
responsibility to the American people.
  Our thoughts and prayers are with our colleague, Gabby Giffords, and 
with all of those who were victimized last Saturday.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, further 
proceedings on this resolution will be postponed.

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