The Final State of the Union
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Summary:
President Obama and Vice President Biden voice their well wishes for Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and celebrate her career of public service.
Yesterday, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords announced that she would step down from her seat in Congress to focus on her recovery.
Both President Obama and Vice President Biden issued statements voicing their well wishes and celebrating her career of public service.
President Obama 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.
Vice President Biden said:
I spoke with Gabby’s husband Mark today and told him that the most important thing is Gabby's recovery. We fully support their decision. I know that Gabby will continue to make significant contributions to her state and country, and I stand with her in whatever endeavor she decides to pursue. Jill and I wish Gabby and Mark all the best as they embark on the next phase of recovery.
"I am getting better every day. My spirit is high," Rep. Giffords said in her announcement. "I will return, and we will work together for Arizona and this great country."
