Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., announced in a YouTube video on Sunday that she will be stepping down this week.
Reaction from her congressional colleagues came in soon after the announcement. Here's what they said:
"Gabby Giffords embodies the very best of what public service should be. She’s universally admired for qualities that transcend party or ideology – a dedication to fairness, a willingness to listen to different ideas, and a tireless commitment to the work of perfecting our union. That’s why the people of Arizona chose Gabby – to speak and fight and stand up for them. That’s what brought her to a supermarket in Tucson last year – so she could carry their hopes and concerns to Washington. And we know it is with the best interests of her constituents in mind that Gabby has made the tough decision to step down from Congress."
-President Obama in statement
“I salute Congresswoman Giffords for her service, and for the courage and perseverance she has shown in the face of tragedy. She will be missed.”
-House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio
Giffords has been a true bright star—a dynamic and creative public servant. Gabby's message of bipartisanship and civility is one that all in Washington and the nation should honor and emulate.”
-House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
"Gabby Giffords' tenacity and generous spirit have always made her the example of what is best in Arizona. As she said today, nothing can change what happened last January. But in her time in public life, she has changed Arizona and America for the better.
-Arizona Democratic Party Chairman Andrei Cherny
"The entire nation has felt like one of Gabrielle Giffords' constituents. She will be deeply missed by her friends and colleagues in Congress.
-Rep. Steve Israel, D-N.Y., chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
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