Washington, D.C. – Today Center for American Progress Counselor and former Representative Tom Perriello issued the following statement regarding Rep. Gabrielle Giffords decision to step down from Congress and return home to Arizona:
Today the US House of Representatives wishes a model public servant the best, as a community reclaims their most beloved citizen. Rep. Giffords inspires a nation with her courage, and will continue to touch lives through all of her endeavors. I have fond memories of her going out of her way to support me as a newcomer to congress, and incorporate my ideas onto her efforts to reform congressional earmarks and to protect our veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Without pretensions or concerns about credit, she showed me that a good person could come to Washington and change the place more than it changed her. She is a champion of the people and of progressive causes which she defends with conviction. I hope hundreds of young people around the nation will continue to follow her great works and aspire to one day match her integrity in congress. Our nation will be stronger for it.
To speak with Tom Perriello on this topic, contact Madeline Meth at [email protected] or 202.741.6277.
###