Gabrielle Giffords Votes To Pass The Debt Bill In Surprise Return

No matter how you feel about the debt bill drama, at least everyone can agree that this moment was awesome. Making a surprise return to the House of Representatives, her first since being gravely wounded in the Tuscon shooting spree, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords drew thunderous applause from members of both parties and voted for the debt bill. By all accounts, she looked great and there wasn't a dry eye in the House. The bill passed 269-161.

By
Gavon Laessig
by Gavon Laessig

BuzzFeed News Reporter

  • In this image from House Television, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., center, appears on the flo...

    In this image from House Television, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., center, appears on the floor of the House of Representatives Monday, Aug. 1, 2011, in Washington. Giffords was on the floor for the first time since her shooting earlier this year, attending a vote on the debt standoff compromise. (AP Photo/House Television)

  • (AP Photo/House Television)

    (AP Photo/House Television)

  • (AP Photo/House Television)

    (AP Photo/House Television)

  • (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

    (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

  • (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

    (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

  • "I have closely followed the debate over our debt ceiling and have been deeply disappointed at what's going on in Washington," Giffords said in a statement release later. "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."

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