Giffords Strongly Supportive Of The Aerospace Industry
The shooting of Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D) in
Tuscon over the weekend has sent a shockwave through much of the
aerospace industry. Giffords was severaly injured, and several
others, including a federal judge, were killed.
Congresswoman Giffords Official Photo
She had served as Chair of the House Space and Aeronautics
Subcommittee of the House Science and Technology Committee where
she was known as a strong supporter of the nation's space program.
Her husband, Mark Kelly, is an astronaut. A member of the House
Armed Services Committee as well, Rep. Giffords demonstrated an
understanding of the national security, economic and technological
benefits of a strong U.S. space program and aerospace industry.
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden issued a statement Saturday
about the shooting.
Bolden
"We at NASA are deeply shocked and saddened by the senseless
shooting of Representative Giffords and others at Saturday’s
public event in Tucson. As a long-time supporter of NASA,
Representative Giffords not only has made lasting contributions to
our country, but is a strong advocate for the nation’s space
program and a member of the NASA family. She also is a personal
friend with whom I have had the great honor of working. We at NASA
mourn this tragedy and our thoughts and prayers go out to
Congresswoman Giffords, her husband Mark Kelly, their family, and
the families and friends of all who perished or were injured in
this terrible tragedy."
"Today was a very sad day for the NASA family with the shooting
of our friend, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords," said the United
Space Alliance in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with
the victims and families of all those injured and killed today, and
are especially with Congresswoman Giffords' husband, Astronaut Mark
Kelly; her parents; her children; and, of course, with the
Congresswoman herself.
"Congresswoman Giffords is an optimistic, dynamic and upbeat
Member of Congress. She is deeply respected for her many
contributions to our nation on a wide variety of issues including
the space program. We join her constituents, her colleagues in
Congress and the entire NASA family in wishing Congresswoman
Giffords a full and speedy recovery.
Marion Blakey
"Rep. Gabrielle Giffords serves her constituents and her country
with passion and with genuine enthusiasm," said AIA President and
CEO Marion C. Blakey. "Our prayers are with her family and her
staff as they get through this difficult situation."