Courtney statement on departure of Rep. Giffords from Congress

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Joe Courtney today released the following statement after Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords announced that she will resign from Congress to focus on her recovery:

"Congresswoman Gabby Giffords' decision to resign her seat from Congress demonstrates again what an outstanding person and citizen she is. Her primary focus, as always, is on the people she represented so well for the past five years. Stepping aside from a position she worked so hard to attain - a position she performed so well - must have been wrenching, but it confirms and adds to the universal respect she has earned. Knowing her as a colleague from the class of 2006, I am sure Gabby did the right thing for southern Arizona and for her family. She will be missed in Washington, but I am confident that she and her husband Mark Kelly will continue to find ways to serve the country they love."

###