[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 8]
[House]
[Page 10324]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            IN CELEBRATION OF THE USS ``GABRIELLE GIFFORDS''

  (Mr. SIRES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the christening and 
launch of the USS Gabrielle Giffords, the Navy's 10th littoral combat 
ship.
  My former colleague in the House of Representatives, Gabrielle 
Giffords, could teach us all a thing or two about honor, courage, and 
commitment.
  On January 8, Navy spouse and former Representative Giffords was shot 
in Tucson, Arizona, while meeting with many of her constituents and has 
since made an incredible recovery. She still works tirelessly to serve 
the people of Arizona, as well as citizens all across the country.
  I am pleased that the U.S. Navy christened the USS Gabrielle Giffords 
last week in a ceremony led by Dr. Jill Biden, the sponsor of the ship. 
Dr. Biden aptly noted that former Representative Giffords represents 
the same qualities that the Navy embodies, and I could not agree more. 
As this vessel travels the world, I hope it will inspire patriotism and 
resiliency.
  I am proud that the Navy has chosen to honor former Representative 
Giffords in this prestigious manner, and I am encouraged by the work 
she is doing as an advocate for safe and responsible gun ownership in 
order to prevent needless gun violence.

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