Politics

Gabby Giffords' Opening Statement on Preventing Gun Violence

By Matt Vasilogambros and National Journal
Former Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was seriously injured in the mass shooting that killed six people in Tucson, Ariz. two years ago, arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, for a hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on gun violence. She is escorted by her husband, Mark Kelly, right, a retired astronaut, Committee Chairman Sen. Patrick J. Leahy, D-Vt., second from left, and the committee's ranking Republican, Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, left. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) (National Journal)
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Below is the transcript of the opening statement made by former Rep. Gabby Giffords at Wednesday's Senate hearing on preventing gun violence:

"Thank you for inviting me here today. This is an important conversation for our children, for our communities, for Democrats and Republicans. Speaking is difficult, but I need to say something important. Violence is a big problem. Too many children are dying. Too many children. We must do something. It will be hard. But the time is now. You must act. Be bold. Be courageous. Americans are counting on you."

Giffords's handwritten notes (via Americans for Responsible Solutions)