Emerson presides over House resolution honoring Giffords

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson presided over a House resolution Tuesday honoring her congressional colleague Gabrielle Giffords and the other victims of the Arizona shootings.

"I was asked to do it and it was a tremendous honor," said the Cape Girardeau Republican. "It was an amazing tribute to Gabby and those who lost their lives in Tucson."

Emerson served as House speaker for more than two hours Tuesday as rank-and-file lawmakers gave speeches to condemn the attack and to remember the victims, including six killed and 14 injured.

"I really like her," Emerson said of Giffords. "I can't remember seeing her without a smile on her face, and she's a tremendous legislator."

The four-page resolution condemns "in the strongest possible terms the horrific attack" and praises the "bravery and quick thinking exhibited by those individuals who prevented the gunman from potentially taking more lives."

The House postponed other business scheduled for this week after the shootings, including a Wednesday vote planned on the Republicans' proposed repeal of health care legislation.

During breaks, Emerson and other lawmakers attended a security briefing and an hourlong prayer service that Emerson described as a "wonderful tribute to Gabby."

During the security meeting held by U.S. Capitol Police, Emerson and other members of Congress reviewed the events of the Saturday shooting at a constituent meeting Giffords, D-Ariz., was conducting outside a grocery store.

Emerson said she was not going to shy away from attending public events out of fear.

"I worry about my staff," she said. "But I believe in the people's right to speak freely and to assembly."

Giffords was shot through the head and is in a Tucson hospital's intensive care unit. Among those killed in the attack were U.S. District Judge John Roll, 9-year-old Christina Green and Giffords' aid Gabe Zimmerman.

Shooting suspect Jared Loughner was arrested at the scene and faces five federal charges, including murder and the attempted assassination of a member of Congress.

House Speaker John Boehner was one of the speakers during the resolution discussion.

"Our hearts are broken, but our spirit is not," he said. "This is a time for the House to lock arms in prayer for the fallen and wounded and resolve to carry on a dialogue for democracy."

smoyers@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent address:

Washington, D.C.