Final bill binds Giffords’ legacy to Nevada lawmaker

By Karoun Demirjian (contact)

Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012 | 12:22 p.m.

Associated Press

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz.

Dean Heller

When Rep. Gabrielle Giffords resigned from the U.S. House today, there were tears, tributes and a vote on her final bill as a U.S. congresswoman — a piece of legislation that binds a Nevada lawmaker in her legacy.

The House voted on a bill to extend anti-smuggling laws to ultralight aircraft. While it was joint legislation from Giffords and Arizona Rep. Jeff Flake, it’s a measure Giffords has been pushing since last Congress, when her partner in the House was Nevada Republican Dean Heller.

Heller was Giffords’ chief co-sponsor of the bill in 2010, before he was appointed to fill the rest of John Ensign’s term in the Senate and Giffords’ life was forever changed by a would-be assassin’s bullet to the head.

“I was honored to work with Gabby on this legislation in the House,” Heller said in a statement after the vote. “I’m sad to see her leave, and wish her all the best as she continues her recovery.”

Last January, Giffords was one of 13 wouned and six killed when a gunman opened fire on her Congress on Your Corner event in Tucson, Ariz.

“I don’t remember much from that terrible day, but I have never forgotten my constituents, my colleagues, or the millions of Americans with whom I share great hopes for this nation,” Giffords wrote in a letter of resignation that her friend, Florida Rep. and Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz read on the House floor through tears.

Giffords did not speak during the ceremony, except to say “thank you” to Wasserman Schultz after she finished reading the letter.

“The only way I ever served my district in Congress was by giving 100 percent,” Giffords’ letter continued. “From my first steps and first words after being shot to my current physical and speech therapy, I have given all of myself to being able to walk back onto the House floor this year to be able to represent Arizona’s 8th congressional district. However, today I know that now is not the time. I have more work to do on my recovery before I can again serve in elected office. If I can’t return, my district deserves to elect a U.S. representative who can give 100 percent to the job now.”

“I will recover and will return,” Giffords letter added, “and we will work together again for Arizona and for all Americans.”

Many lawmakers, including Rep. Shelley Berkley, have said since Giffords announced over the weekend she would be resigning that they believe she will return to public service, and perhaps to Congress, when she gets stronger.

Giffords received many rounds of applause and many standing ovations from lawmakers, who gathered around to wish her well as they then cast ballots in favor of her final bill.

The vote was 408-0.

Heller will get a chance to advocate for the bill in the Senate, which has to take up the legislation before it can earn President Barack Obama’s signature. That shouldn’t be too steep a hurdle though. In December, the Senate unanimously agreed to a version of the ultralight aircraft smuggling legislation drafted by Heller and New Mexico Democratic Sen. Tom Udall.