WASHINGTON, DC—Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn today released the following statement after Congresswoman Gabby Giffords announced that she will resign from Congress to focus on her recovery:

"All Americans can draw strength from the example of Congresswoman Gabby Giffords' heroic struggle to recover from a terrible injury. I've been proud to serve with her as a colleague in Congress, and I have been honored to call Gabby and her husband Mark good friends. As she leaves public office to focus on her recovery, I pray God will grant her restored health and happiness for many years to come."