Rep. Gabrielle Giffords Makes Surprise Return to Congress to Vote on Debt Ceiling Bill

Representative Gabrielle Giffords made a surprise appearance in the House of Representatives earlier tonight to cast a vote on the bill to raise the U.S. debt limit. Casting her first vote since her shooting, Giffords was welcomed in the chamber with applause and hugs from her fellow representatives.

Among those greeting Giffords in her surprise return to congress was Vice President Joe Biden who was soon joined by presidential candidate and fellow representative Michele Bachmann. With only a few minutes left in the vote, Giffords entered the chamber to cast a “yes” vote for the bill.

In a statement, the Giffords said, “I have closely followed the debate over our debt ceiling and have been deeply disappointed at what’s going on in Washington.” “I strongly believe that crossing the aisle for the good of the American people is more important than party politics. I had to be here for this vote. I could not take the chance that my absence could crash our economy,” she continued.

Giffords has been continuing with therapy since she was released from the hospital last month. She was one of more than a dozen people wounded by a gunman who also shot and killed 6 people outside of a grocery store in January.

Jared Lee Loughner is the man charged in the shooting and has pleaded not guilty. Loughner was found to be not mentally competient to face trial and is currently in federal prison.