There will not be a vote on health care reform (and related taxes) this week. Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) has issued this statement:
Good morning. The thoughts and prayers of the House and the nation are with Congresswoman Giffords and her family. We’re also praying for the families of Judge Roll and all of those who were taken from us yesterday so senselessly. Among the fallen is Gabe Zimmerman, a member of Congresswoman Giffords’ staff, and I’ve directed that the flags on the House side of the Capitol be flown at half mast in honor of Gabe’s death in the line of duty.
An attack on one who serves is an attack on all who serve. Such acts of violence have no place in our society. I want to commend the federal, state and local officials, as well as the Capitol Police, for all of their efforts. And I’ve told the FBI Director that the House stands ready to assist in any way possible.
Last night, the Majority Leader announced that the normal business of the House in the coming week has been postponed so that we can take necessary action regarding yesterday’s events. The Majority Leader will announce a revised schedule.
To the members of the House and their staffs, I ask that you on this Sabbath day that we keep Gabby and her staff in our thoughts and prayers. Public service is a high honor, but these tragic events remind us that all of us in our roles in service to our fellow citizens comes with a risk. This inhuman act should not and will not deter us from our calling to represent our constituents and to fulfill our oaths of office. No act, no matter how heinous, must be allowed to stop us from our duty.
On a personal note, my heart goes out to everyone affected by this terrible tragedy and my thoughts and prayers are with those families. I will confess to being especially shaken by the death of little Christina Taylor Green, who was just a year older than my oldest daughter. Christina had just been elected to student council and reportedly went to see Rep. Giffords to see politics in action. She also played baseball as a second baseman and was the only girl on her Little League team. She got her baseball roots honest as she was the granddaughter of Dallas Green, a long time member of my Phillies organization (and manager when they won the 1980s World Series). Green has said about his loss, “I can’t believe my princess is gone.” I don’t think anyone can.
