Arizona Congresswoman Giffords Gives Formal Farewell

Mark Kelly says he's "more optimistic than anyone else" about the future of his wife, Gabrielle Giffords.

He watched from the House gallery today as Giffords formally resigned her seat in the House of Representatives, a year after she was seriously wounded in a shooting in Tucson.

Lawmakers stood and cheered repeatedly as Giffords' colleagues, some in tears, paid tribute to her during her farewell appearance on the House floor. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said Giffords is "an inspiring symbol of determination and courage."

In her resignation letter, Giffords said she had more work to do on her recovery, before she can "again serve in elected office."

It was a day for Republicans and Democrats to put aside their differences. Republican Ted Poe said, "Gabby is the spirit of bipartisanship that we should all learn from." House Majority Leader Eric Cantor said her "strength against all odds" will serve as a "daily inspiration to all of us."

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)