SF learns why Gabrielle Giffords returns to Congress (photos, video)
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- San Francisco residents are learning in top news that Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (Gabby Giffords) returned to the House floor on Monday.
She did so to cast her vote in favor of the bill that was on the table to increase the country's debt ceiling.
San Francisco resident, Amy Tran, says: "What an emotional event that was. The whole country has been watching her recovery since that terrible incident."
It was to a resounding standing applause that Gabrielle Giffords entered the chamber. (The vote passed by a margin of 269 to 161)
It was six months since Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz) was shot in the head at a political event by Jared Lee Loughner (See the article here: Where will Jared Lee Loughner be tried)
The event is tied to the San Francisco Bay Area because one victim was a teacher in the San Francisco Bay Area. (See that story: Arizona shooting: one victim had lived in SF Bay Area )
Giffords herself had made remarkable progress in hospital. (See article here on Gabrielle Giffords makes 'major leap forward', opens eyes)
Now that she had arrived in Congress, Giffords said: “I have closely followed the debate over our debt ceiling and have been deeply disappointed at what’s going on in Washington. After weeks of failed debate in Washington, I was pleased to see a solution to this crisis emerge. I strongly believe that crossing the aisle for the good of the American people is more important than party politics. I had to be here for this vote. I could not take the chance that my absence could crash our economy.”
Giffords wanted to be there, and her presence was appreciated by everyone present who admired her bravery.
According to the Huffington Post, Nancy Pelosi, (D-Calif) called Giffords "the personification of courage." "Her presence here in the chamber as well as her service throughout her career in Congress, brings honor to this chamber," stated Pelosi, "Thank you, Gabby."
Pelosi had warned Giffords only to come to the House if she was strong enough to do so. "I did not encourage her to," said Pelosi to press. "I told her first things first. But she was very eager to come."
"It was one of the most thrilling moments to see this heroine return home, to the House. And to do so at such a dramatic time," continued Pelosi.
The reaction to Giffords' entrance to the House was nothing short of dramatic.
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), a close friend of Giffords, said: "The reaction in the chamber was the most enthusiastic, exuberant, exhilarating -- I mean we were all crying -- thrilled -- you know, we just knew she would make a triumphant return."
"It always felt like there were so many doubters and skeptics, but never doubt Gabby Giffords' determination. This is the first of many votes she's going to pass."
"At the end of the day, it was probably the most important vote we're going to cast this Congress. She wanted to make sure that her constituents were represented," said an emotional Wasserman Schultz.
Vice President Joe Biden said: "I told her she was now a member of the cracked-head club like me, with two craniotomies. You know what I mean? It was just so good to see her. But that's a private conversation."
According to the Huffington Post, Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn (D-S.C.) admitted that seeing Giffords was heart-wrenching.
"I just said, 'I love you, glad to have you back, great to see you,'" he said. "I only found out when I saw her. [It was] a little emotional."
See the video and photos on the left hand side. The photos are of some of the events in the Gabrielle Giffords story.
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Source: Huffington Post
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