Keeping Gabrielle Giffords In Our Prayers

Statement

Last Saturday we suffered an American tragedy. An assailant opened fire on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and her constituents at a public event in Tucson, Arizona. Please join me in keeping the Congresswoman and the other victims of this terrible crime in our prayers.

Giffords Shooting

On Saturday I issued a statement after learning of the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. The Congresswoman was shot at a public event in Tucson, Arizona by a gunman who began firing indiscriminately into the crowd. Six people were killed -- including Giffords' Community Outreach Director, Gabe Zimmerman, U.S. District Judge John Roll and 9-year-old Christina-Taylor Green. Fourteen others were injured.

I am saddened and horrified by the attack on the Congresswoman, her staff, and her constituents. She is a dear friend, a dedicated public servant and a colleague from the Congressional Class of 2006. My prayers go out to Congresswoman Gifford, her family, and the other victims of this American tragedy.

Roll Call Op-Ed

On Tuesday Roll Call published an Op-Ed I authored on how reckless speech can cost lives. For some time, I have been troubled by the hateful and often patently untrue words that enter the American mind via the Internet, talk radio and even mainstream media and the effect that they have on our society at large and on the fringe element particularly. Note that Timothy McVeigh blew up a federal building in Oklahoma City because of a consuming hatred and distrust of government. And as recently as this past May, two police officers were killed in West Memphis, Arkansas by a father and son who harbored extreme anti-government views. Click here to read the Op-Ed.

Southeast Region Reads

In an effort to increase reading achievement and the desire to read in Memphis City Schools, the Southeast Region is promoting a campaign called Southeast Region Reads. This campaign is asking all students attending a school in the Southeast Region to read at least 20 publications throughout the 2010-2011 school year. A poster of me holding my favorite children's book will be displayed at various schools in the Southeast Region. Teachers, parents, and other stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the campaign as well. It is our goal to motivate every student attending a school in our region to participate in Southeast Region Reads.

Veterans

Certain combat Veterans who were discharged from active duty service before Jan. 28, 2003 have until Jan. 27, 2011 to take advantage of their enhanced health care enrollment opportunity through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Click here to learn more.

Visiting the Capitol

Memphian Stacey Johnson and her two sons -- Brandon and Roman (pictured at left) -- came to Washington, D.C. recently. My office arranged a tour of the Capitol for them, like we have for countless other Memphians interested in seeing our historic Capitol. Stacey and her sons had a great time and will always remember their trip to the Capitol.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Today I issued a statement in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is observed on Monday, January 17. Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. called upon our nation to fulfill the promise of its founding dream for all of our people through nonviolence. In Memphis, where an assassin's bullet took Dr. King's life, this day has particular significance. His death remains a painful memory for many in the 9th District, and I urge everyone to honor his life through community service.

I hope that we use this occasion to renew our commitment to fulfilling Dr. King's dream. In his brief time with us, Dr. King inspired a nation to build "the beloved community' of which he spoke. May this Martin Luther King Jr. Day be one of celebration and service, and may this year be one in which we bring ourselves closer to achieving his dream. I ask everyone to do their part to honor Dr. King and help make justice a reality for all of God's children.

Health Care

Today I was on Your World with Neil Cavuto to discuss health care. Click here to see my interview.

Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Memphian Dolen Perkins-Valdez has been nominated for two NAACP Image awards in literature for her novel "Wench." She will also be featured in an article in the Washington Post on Sunday, January 30th. Click here to learn more.

Grant Announcements

Each week I release a list of grant announcements from federal agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Transportation, and others. These federal funding opportunities are available to faith-based and neighborhood associations, nonprofits and other community organizations in the 9th district. The announcements are updated weekly on my website.

Source