Congresswoman Doris Matsui Honors Victims of Tucson Shooting
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
CONTACT: MARA LEE
(202) 225-7163
Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-05) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives in support of H.Res. 32, honoring the victims of the Tucson shooting. Her remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below:
I rise today in support of H.Res. 32, a resolution to honor the victims of the Tucson shooting, including our colleague, and my friend, Gabby Giffords.
I have seen Gabby's commitment and dedication to her constituents firsthand. I have had the pleasure to work with her to promote efforts to restore our nation's competitiveness in manufacturing, and specifically to help create clean energy jobs.
Gabby is smart, courageous, disciplined, and effective, and, as we have all seen over the last few days, her strength is unwavering. Moreover, she is a dedicated public servant for the people of Arizona.
Last Saturday, Gabby organized an event to talk with her constituents about their priorities, and their concerns.
It is heart-breaking, and certainly a tragedy, that six innocent people lost their lives, and an additional thirteen have been critically wounded, all while trying to participate in and strengthen our democracy.
We are all now reflecting on what brought our country to this point, and how to move forward.
It is more critical than ever that we work together to make sure that public service continues to bring out the best in our nation's citizens.
As everyone in this Chamber can attest, being a Representative is more than a job title. It is what we do, and it is who we are. We meet with our constituents. We listen to them. We advocate for their best interests.
I would also like to take a moment to honor the other victims of this horrific tragedy.
Christina Taylor Green, a 9 year old daughter of very proud parents, went to Gabby's event because she was simply interested in how government works and wanted to learn more.
Gabe Zimmerman, the 30 year old Director of Community Outreach for Gabby, was there doing his job, staffing and organizing the event for her constituents to speak to their Congresswoman. Gabe also happened to be engaged to be married.
U.S. Federal District Judge, John M. Roll, who won acclaim, during a career spanning over decades, as a highly respected jurist by his colleagues.
Phyllis Schneck, a 79 year old senior, who volunteered at her local church.
Dorwin Stoddard, 76, was a proud husband who used his body to shield his wife from the gunfire. He sadly passed away; his wife survived.
Dorothy Morris, a 76 year old retired homemaker, who was survived by her husband, George, who was also shot during this tragedy, but survived.
My thoughts and prayers remain with Gabby, her staff, each victim, and their families during this difficult period.