House members thank Giffords as they debate her last bill

Republicans honored her as well, saying that her push for passage of her bill, H.R. 3801, shows that she continues to care about her constituents on the U.S.-Mexico border.

“She is concerned about her constituents and cares [about] and loves this country deeply,” Rep. Dave Reichert (R-Wash.) said.

Rep. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), who sat next to Giffords during last night’s State of the Union address, said Arizona residents “appreciate so deeply the work that she has done over these years.”

The House is expected to vote on her bill later this morning, following additional tributes to Giffords, who will retire from Congress this week to focus on recuperating from last year’s shooting that nearly took her life.