Why is giffords resigning

The bill passed unanimously. After its passage, Giffords remained in the chamber as members lined up to say farewell, including former Rep. Gene Taylor, a Mississippi Democrat who lost in Taylor waited in line to hug Giffords. As Giffords left the chamber, she ran into cloakroom attendant Ella Terry. Both women had tears on their faces as they embraced.

Giffords has made few public appearances since the shooting, but she cast a vote to raise the federal debt ceiling, and she also gave an interview to ABC's Diane Sawyer. Her appearance Wednesday in the House was her second in two days. She received a second standing ovation before President Barack Obama's State of the Union address on Tuesday night. She has been undergoing intensive rehabilitation in Houston, according to her office. Prosecutors accuse Jared Lee Loughner, 23, of carrying out the attack, which purportedly targeted Giffords during the constituent meet-and-greet event outside a supermarket.

Loughner could face the death penalty if convicted on charges of murdering six people -- including Roll, the chief federal judge of Arizona. Loughner has been diagnosed as schizophrenic and has spent time on suicide watch while in custody. He is undergoing treatment in Springfield, Missouri. Giffords' formal resignation, and her husband's apparent decision not to fill her seat, now makes the race in Arizona's 8th Congressional District largely up for grabs.

Democrats and Republicans lined up to see her off. A prolonged standing ovation followed tributes and tears. In her resignation letter, Giffords said she had "more work to do on my recovery before I can again serve in elected office". Last January, a gunman opened fire at Giffords' "Congress on Your Corner" event, killing six people and wounding Giffords' appearance on the floor was just the third since her injury.

She returned Aug. The House of Representatives of America has been made proud by this extraordinary daughter of this House, who served so well during her tenure here, who felt so deeply about her constituents and cared so much for her country.

Gabby, we love you. We have missed you. She also carries in her need for recovery, the sorrow of so many others who lost their lives. God gave her a very special mission. He gave it to Gabby Giffords because he knew she could carry that burden because he had blessed her with so many, many gifts and a very loving family to make her the person that she is.