WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) released the following statement on Congresswoman Gabby Giffords retiring from Congress:

“In my five years in Congress, I’ve never seen such an outpouring of genuine goodwill as I witnessed last night on the House floor for Gabby Giffords in her appearance at the State of the Union speech. I’ll never forget huddling with her against the bitter cold on that historic Inauguration Day on January 20, 2009.  Her strength and message of civility are an inspiration to the world.

“Gabby will be greatly missed. I wish her, and her husband Mark, all the best as they open a new chapter in their lives. I hope and trust that one day she will return to the public service she loves so much.”