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."

FMI: www.nasa.gov, www.unitedspacealliance.com, www.aia-aerospace.org