Colleagues comment on Giffords' resignation

Statements on Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' announcement Sunday that she plans to resign from Congress this week to focus on her recovery:

___

"Gabby Giffords embodies the very best of what public service should be. She's universally admired for qualities that transcend party or ideology - a dedication to fairness, a willingness to listen to different ideas, and a tireless commitment to the work of perfecting our union. That's why the people of Arizona chose Gabby - to speak and fight and stand up for them. That's what brought her to a supermarket in Tucson last year - so she could carry their hopes and concerns to Washington. And we know it is with the best interests of her constituents in mind that Gabby has made the tough decision to step down from Congress.

"Over the last year, Gabby and her husband Mark have taught us the true meaning of hope in the face of despair, determination in the face of incredible odds, and now - even after she's come so far - Gabby shows us what it means to be selfless as well.

"Gabby's cheerful presence will be missed in Washington. But she will remain an inspiration to all whose lives she touched - myself included. And I'm confident that we haven't seen the last of this extraordinary American. __ President Barack Obama