House to Honor Giffords on Wednesday
The Wall Street Journal reports:
Instead of debating the repeal of the controversial health care law, Republicans and Democrats will gather in the House on Wednesday to honor Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and mourn the victims of the shooting Saturday outside a Tucson, Ariz., Safeway.
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R., Va.) made the announcement during a rare conference call Sunday afternoon with members and staff of both parties and their family members, according to readouts from his and other offices. House leaders canceled all scheduled floor votes besides a resolution honoring Ms. Giffords and other victims of the rampage.
Security personnel are expected to brief lawmakers Wednesday on their personal safety and the shooting in Arizona that left six dead, including an aide to Ms. Giffords, a Democrat from Tucson.
“For now, it is my recommendation that all members of the House who can, return to Washington to honor those who have fallen and to receive any necessary security briefings from the U.S. Capitol Police,” Mr. Cantor said in a statement released by his office. The announcement came as lawmakers from both parties issued calls to tone down the bitter, partisan bickering that defines life in the Capitol. The motives of the Arizona assailant remain a mystery, but the episode sparked a broader conversation about the tone of politics in America. ...
