BREAKING: Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords returns to Congress to vote on debt ceiling bill

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

The House of Representatives just approved the debt ceiling bill on a bipartisan vote of 269-161. I will update later. UPDATE: Final debt deal | U.S. Congress Votes Database – The Washington Post.

Overshadowing the vote was Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords returning to Congress to cast her vote to a standing ovation and thunderous applause from her colleagues in the House. Welcome back, Gabby!Pelosi: 'Welcome back, Gabby' – Washington Post Video (embed does not function).

UPDATE: From Roll Call Giffords Returns for Debt Plan Vote:

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords returned to the House floor Monday night to cast a vote on the debt ceiling increase after a nearly seven-month absence.

The Arizona Democrat was seen entering the chamber escorted by her close friend and colleague, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), and was greeted at the door by Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and other Democratic leaders. The chamber erupted into applause when she arrived, and she rose from her wheelchair to hug colleagues.

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"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. "After weeks of failed debate in Washington, I was pleased to see a solution to this crisis emerge. 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."

Monday’s vote was her first since the shooting. The House passed the debt ceiling bill, 269-161.

"The Capitol looks beautiful, and I am honored to be at work tonight," she wrote from her Twitter account after the vote.

Press release from Congresswoman Giffords Office:

U.S. REP. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS CASTS FIRST HOUSE VOTE SINCE JAN. 8 SHOOTING Congresswoman travels to Washington to support bipartisan bill to avoid default

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords returned to Congress today to vote in favor of legislation that will avoid a default by the U.S. government.

It was the first vote she has cast since she was shot and critically wounded on Jan. 8 while meeting with her constituents in Tucson.

"I have closely followed the debate over our debt ceiling and have been deeply disappointed at what's going on in Washington," Giffords said. "After weeks of failed debate in Washington, I was pleased to see a solution to this crisis emerge. 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."

In December 2009 and again in February 2010, Giffords refused to go along with an increase in the debt limit. But this vote was substantially different, with the strength of the U.S. economy hanging in the balance.