Floor Statement on H. Res 32

I thank the distinguished gentleman from California for yielding to me. 

Madam Speaker, I rise in humble and solemn support for House Resolution 32. 

I also rise to express my heartfelt gratitude to our distinguished Speaker, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner), and all Members of the House leadership, Republican and Democratic alike. The thoughtful and compassionate manner in which they have united the Members of this great institution in prayerful support for our beloved colleague and friend, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, and all of the victims of the January 8 attack in Tucson, Arizona, is sincerely appreciated. 

Madam Speaker, as with all Americans, I was deeply saddened and horrified upon learning of the senseless and violent attack on Congresswoman Giffords, members of Gabby's staff, and citizens of Arizona's Eighth District. This act of violence was an unthinkable attack on a dedicated public servant and her constituents. 

It was also an attack on one of the most important cornerstones of our form of representational democracy--the duty of elected officials to reach out to the citizens they serve. It is imperative that we not allow the tragic events of January 8 to prevent elected officials from fulfilling this duty to remain in close contact with their constituents and well grounded in their concerns. 

On behalf of my wife, Leslie, and our family and all residents of Pennsylvania's 19th Congressional District, I offer our deepest sympathies to the families, the friends, and the coworkers of those who were taken from us in this attack. Please know that you and all the victims of this terrible tragedy are and will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. May God watch over you as he continues to watch over our grieving Nation.