Following Gabrielle Giffords Shooting, House Postpones Vote to Repeal Health Care Law

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In the wake of the shooting rampage today in Tucson, Ariz., at an event held by Democratic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, the House has postponed all legislative business for the next week.

This most importantly includes the vote to repeal President Obama's health care law, which was scheduled for Wednesday and would have be the first major vote of the House since Republicans took control last week.

A statement from Eric Cantor (R-Va.), the House Majority leader, announced tonight that all legislation scheduled to be considered by the House next week has been postponed "so that we can take whatever actions may be necessary in light of today's tragedy."

"Our nation was shocked by the tragedy in Arizona earlier today," Cantor added in his statement. "Congresswoman Giffords serves Arizona's 8th District with distinction and thoughtful leadership, and it is horrifying that she was exposed to such violence at an event designed to reach the people she represents... Along with our nation, this institution has suffered a horrible tragedy."

At least six people were killed in today's attack, allegedly carried out by 22-year-old Jared Loughner. Federal Judge John M. Roll was among those killed. Giffords was shot in the head and is in critical condition following surgery.

More Coverage:

Ariz. Rep. Giffords, Others Shot; At Least 6 Die
Gabrielle Giffords: Who is She?
Boehner on Giffords: "Attack on All who Serve"
Obama: "A Tragedy for our Entire Country"
Special Section: Tragedy in Tucson

33 Photos

Congresswoman Shot in Arizona

[jimbom121]

I'd like to ask some of the 2nd ammendment supporters out there (and I am one), why was this guy, who had a criminal background and mental instability allowed to purchase a firearm, and conceal it??

[harpoot]

Those lazy $hits will use ANY excuse not to work.

[stn_sage]

You're absolutely correct! I couldn't have said it any better than you, so I won't try!

[sdemaggie]

Typical response by the GOP to a crisis-take the day off. TG these clowns weren't around when Pearl Harbor was attack. These fools would have taken a month off. Boehner the bone head.

[Concerned2009]

Let me get this right ... Shoot a Congresswoman and take a vacation?
We have developed a very strange sense of propriety within our government.

[wjksea]

BigRed5563 January 9, 2011 8:04 AM EST
Blame the Republicans. Show me a Liberal (Welfare Recipient) that's ever worked a day in their life or paid taxes. They want everything for free.
You have to be useless to be a Democrat.
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The Nanny state for the rich provides everything for cheap. The rich want to socialize the burden on society it takes to protect their wealth. They bully with rhetoric that rich people pay all the taxes (not true) but it's not their children who die in wars.

[shurch4truth]

BigRed5563 January 9, 2011 8:04 AM EST
Blame the Republicans. Show me a Liberal (Welfare Recipient) that's ever worked a day in their life or paid taxes.

....when you say something as absurb as this two things are demonstrated:

* you're saying something even you know is not true.

* by saying it you denonstrate hate in your heart - get some help

[wjksea]

BigRed5563 January 9, 2011 8:04 AM EST
Blame the Republicans. Show me a Liberal (Welfare Recipient) that's ever worked a day in their life or paid taxes. They want everything for free.
You have to be useless to be a Democrat.
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You must just try to stir things up. What you wrote is a bucket of sh*t that full of holes.

[bramletabercrombie]

Of course they are going to use this to pass some more laws that walk all over the constitution and take away more and more of our rights. Lets just punish this shooter to the fullest and move on.

[newsbarn]

well well, I think I'll ask my boss if i can have a week off with pay too! What a bunch of BS, Its not like there all family,,sheeeesh.

[winstrv]

I just heard that the House will suspend all legislative actions next week because of this shooting. What the heck is up with that? I spent 30 years in the Army and no one gave us a break when one of ours was killed/wounded. DO YOUR JOB AND TAKE CARE BUSINESS. Your job is to look out for the American people, not make an excuse to take another week off.

[trible131]

"This is the end result of all the rhetoric, finger pointing, fear mongering and partisan politics."
It is unfortunate that this is true from the extremists on both sides of the spectrum. Keith Oberman and Co. are just as guilty of the "sky is falling" rhetoric. I've not yet gotten any information on this wacko's particular views.

[bramletabercrombie]

They need to use this opportunity to erode more of our rights.

[mryoubrian]

Well..........now you know.
I said this would happen, I said it last year. It is the culmination of tea party, Glenn Beck, Alex Jones rhetoric. They (a few in the public)were gullible and swallowed the "death Panel" fear mongering by the right. They swallowed the "constitution is in danger" fear mongering. They totally ate up the fear mongering over martial law, F.E.M.A. camps,flu vaccines as a way to control people,etc.
Add to that.....a few nuts wearing guns in the open at public gatherings just because "We have a right to."

This is the end result of all the rhetoric, finger pointing, fear mongering and partisan politics. Someone takes all this too seriously and kills a bunch of people including a 9 year old girl. This young man is a gut lees coward.
The sad part is that this is no where near the end of it. We have created home grown terrorists that will cause MORE fear than Islamic extremists...because they will act, walk, and talk just like your neighbor and you will never see them coming.

We have just scratched the surface with this new kind of terrorism. The greatest accomplishments by foreign extremists or terrorists is to get us to kill each other.

I will even coin the new phrase for it--- Patriotic Cannibalism.