Giffords Resigns House To Focus On Recovery - Arizona congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords has formally submitted her formal letter of resignation from theU.S. House today to House

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(Free-Press-Release.com) January 25, 2012 -- Arizona congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords has formally submitted her formal letter of resignation from the U.S. House today to House Speaker John Boehner and Arizona Governor Jan Brewer.

She bid farewell to a standing ovation from the House. Giffords said, "I will recover and will return."

Her Tucson office made the announcement last night and said Giffords' resignation will be effective at the end of the day.

She was helped to the rostrum where she handed the letter to a tearful Boehner.

Giffords had announced Sunday that she would resign from Congress this week to focus on her rehabilitation and recovery from a gunshot wound received in a mass shooting at an event in Tucson a year ago. Six people died and 13 were wounded, including Giffords.

As Giffords sat in the chamber's front row, lawmakers praised her dignity, grace and perseverance.

Rep. Steny Hoyer paid tribute to her and said, "God bless you and god speed."

"There's nothing more important than family and friendship," said a tearful Florida Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz. "And even though I know we won't see each other every day, Gabby we will be friends for life -- for life."

Giffords stood by, with Rep. Jeff Flake holding her hand, as Wasserman-Schultz read her resignation letter.

Giffords was flanked by Arizona's congressional delegation.

Her husband, Navy Capt. Mark Kelly, and her mother, Gloria, watched from the gallery.

Congressman Ben Quayle tweeted: "It’s an honor to be with Rep. Gabby Giffords on the House Floor right now. She is a hero among us all and we wish her the best of luck."

Rep. Paul Gosar also had a tweet for Giffords: "Thank you Gabby Giffords for your bravery, strength, and service in representing the good people of Arizona."

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