[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 401]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING REP. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 27, 2012

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, it is with a thankful heart that I rise to 
recognize a dedicated public servant and truly exceptional Member of 
Congress--Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.
  In her time as a Member of Congress, and before that--as a Member of 
the Arizona State Legislature, Gabby has been a shining example of what 
a public servant can be.
  From supporting our veterans, to working to bring greater fiscal 
stability and championing home-grown energy--her accomplishments have 
been many.
  But perhaps even more amazing is what Gabby has shown all of us about 
perseverance and the strength of the human spirit.
  We all remember the horrible attack that took place on January 8, 
2011, and the impact it had on every single one of our communities and 
families.
  We also remember the bravery of the heroes and first responders, who 
saved lives on that day.
  Gabby's courage, strength, and resilience remind all of us that the 
human ties of family, and friendship that connect us are much more 
important than the ideological and political differences that can 
divide us.
  As we recognize Gabby, let's also take a moment to remember the 
individuals who lost their lives in this heinous event that occurred in 
Tucson last January.
  In particular, I hope we can all keep a special place in our thoughts 
and prayers for Christina Taylor Green and her family.
  Christina was a nine year old child, who had been recently elected to 
the student council at Mesa Verde Elementary School.
  She was beginning to show an interest in civics, and went to the 
Congress on Your Corner event that day in order to get a chance to meet 
her Congresswoman.
  Christina had great hopes and aspirations for her future. Sadly, all 
of that was taken away from her in the blink of an eye.
  Let us stand together to honor the lives Christina and everyone else 
who lost their lives in this terrible tragedy.
  We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and 
loved ones they leave behind.
  Again--I want to thank Rep. Giffords for her outstanding service to 
her constituents in Arizona, and to the nation as a whole.
  The best wishes and prayers of Barbara and I go out to Gabby, her 
husband Mark, and her family and friends, on continued happiness and a 
complete recovery.

                          ____________________