Representative Gabrielle Giffords is embraced by colleagues on the floor of the House of Representatives, moments after the House voted to raise the U.S. borrowing limit. Giffords received a thunderous ovation from Democrats and Republicans alike. She returned to vote in favor of a bill to raise the U.S. debt ceiling and avoid default.
Steve Benen: …. the House voted to approve the debt-ceiling agreement reached yesterday, and the margin wasn’t even as close as expected …. the final vote was 269 to 161. The Democratic caucus – much of which refrained from voting until most GOP members had cast their vote – was split evenly, while the clear majority of Republicans backed the agreement.
Nearly as important as the vote itself was the dramatic return of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.), just six months after an attempt on her life, returned to the House floor unexpectedly and voted in support of the debt deal. She received a hero’s welcome from the chamber. (No, don’t mind me, I just have something in my eye…)
….. I have to say, as much as this bill bothers me, and as much as the recent breakdowns in our political system have disgusted me, Giffords’ return was a beautiful sight.
As for the legislation, the Senate is still expected to take it up in the morning, where passage is all but assured.
Full post here
The Obama Diary 
That was truly inspiring, Chipsticks.
It brings a tear. Gabby has a set that half the men in the House need.
Yardarm, as my sweet mama used to say “Tell the truth and shame the devil!”
We saw a miracle today. Best wishes Gabby.
Bless her heart. In the midst of her rehab, she still put the American people she serves first and foremost. Wishing her a safe and full recovery.
If you’re having trouble viewing that video of Nancy’s tribute to Gabby, MoxNews has it here– http://thepoliticalcarnival.net/2011/08/01/video-nancy-pelosi-welcomes-rep-gabrielle-giffords-back-to-house-of-representatives/
Sorry that I haven’t learned yet how to embed a video!
Rev. Al hosting the Ed show.
Thanks Chipsticks, Rep _Gifford’s return was truly a beautiful moment
Hey guys Rev Al is hosting the Ed show. Tune in now. Let’s give this wonderful man a ratings bump. So MSNBC realizes how GREAT he is.
Gabby, to God be the Glory. What a breath of sunshine just to see you. You are a walking miracle. May God continue to bless you mightily 🙂
She is truly inspirational. I’m in complete admiration of both her and the medical team that made this possible.
Hi Chipsticks, it doesn’t look as though anyone else is having trouble viewing the video of Nancy’s tribute to Gabby. I get the message, “The uploader has not made this video available in your country.” Except for the fact that I live in Utah, which is often looked upon as definitely another country, I can’t figure out what ails my Media Player. (I wonder if it could be the fact that I keep ignoring my update messages!)
Any suggestions received gratefully. And in the meantime, I’d better update.
Joan! How are you? I hope you saw all the good wishes –
http://theobamadiary.com/2011/07/30/joan-get-well-soon-thats-an-order/
😉
Are you feeling stronger? Completely wonderful to have you back posting.
Is it the first or the second video that doesn’t work for you? Let me know and I’ll find a solution!
Update: Ah! I think I know what the problem is – that’s probably the CNN Europe version of the video. Leave it with me 😉 (Although the CSpan video is much the same, just longer)
The first video. Of Nancy, mostly. I just put a call out (to the living room) for help from the computer engineer (now retired) but he’s engrossed in The House of Morgan by Chernow (800+ pages). He’s using one of the bigger cats as a brace for the book — a seventeen pound long-haired ginger cat who enjoys sleeping on Alan’s stomach when he’s lying down, reading.
And yes, I read everyone of all the good wishes. Thank you!
It’s fixed Joan, try again 😉
Yes, Chipsticks, it was fine, thank you so much. And this is why I hate uploading updates — the first one took an hour and there are an entire list of them left to go through!
Joan, happy to see you here. May you continue to get well. Take it easy and rest much. Love you back also.HZ
Thank you HZ! It’s just the exhaustion that I wish would go away!
Gabby brought In a breath of sunshine to Congress, and to us as well. What a nice surprise. She’s a walking miracle, thank God for a mighty blessing 🙂 May God continue to bless you Gabby, It’s just nice to see you 🙂
Thank you Chipsticks for this one so much. What a beautiful moment. Powerful moments to give thanks for such a strong woman. I cried tears of thanksgiving for her return and continued recovery. Prayers for her during this time are being answers. I am so happy for Gabby and Mark. She has a very strong will. Great to see this.
“Talking to you is like reading every other word in a book.”
Does Michael Steele ever make any sense? 🙄
And Rev Al quickly replied “it would be a good book”, to which Michael sputtered and did not have a comeback.
I also like how he called out those that are quick to blame Obama for everything when there’s plenty of blame that could go to the Congressional Democrats.
This is why I like Al so much. I hope he stays on TV and they don’t allow the Cenk worshippers and haters have him thrown out.
Hi TrumpDog – sorry, didn’t see your message to me til now, I deleted your comments with your email address so no worries! Thanks TrumpDog.
Gabby is a ray of light. How wonderful that she was able to come back at this time so that everyone watching can see how important this passage is. She turned this from the fears and anger getting here to hope and joy. She is amazing to be so healthy and strong in such a short period of time. Absolutely amazing. God bless you, Gabby.
Now that is fortitude, determination and spirit. An important opening to a new chapter, and closure to a very sad chapter.
Gabby you are an inspiration to America….may God be your strength and your shield.
What a wonderful day! Gabby’s return to Congress should have been the #1 story across America! Her experience illustrates the meaning of courage.
Extreme awesomeness!
Simply Wonderful. It touched people’s heart, except those Tea-Party folks. They have no heart.
Touching moment, great to see her back. Truly is inspirational.
This is truly inspiring. Gabby is the definition of courage.
:eyeroll: