HERO

Giffords Says Goodbye to House

Amid emotional speeches from colleagues.

Arizona Rep. Gabby Giffords officially resigned from the House of Representatives Wednesday as her colleagues marked her departure with emotional speeches and well wishes. Giffords, who was injured in a shooting in Tucson in January 2011 that killed six people, is leaving her seat to focus on her recovery. The House minority leader, fellow Democrat Nancy Pelosi, called Gifford the “brightest star” in Congress who had “brought the word 'dignity' to new heights by her courage.” Majority Leader Eric Cantor added, "Though Gabby may be leaving Washington today, I know this won't be the last we see of her and Mark.” As a final tribute, the House unanimously passed a bill championed by Giffords that deals with smuggling on the Mexican border.