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Navy SEALs Free Somali Hostages; Obama Pushes To Bridge Wealth Gap; Obama: "Bring Jobs Back" From Abroad; Any Minute: Gingrich Policy Speech; Gabrielle Giffords's Resignation From Congress

Aired January 25, 2012 - 10:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: It is the top of the hour. Thanks so much for joining us, everyone. We begin it with a daring rescue by U.S. Navy SEALs. Their night time raid in Somalia freeing two kidnapped aid workers America Jessica Buchanan and Paul (inaudible) of Denmark.

And just minutes ago, our Brian Todd actually spoke to Jessica's father and he said that she's doing well. Now Somali gunman abducted these aid workers three months ago.

The White House did confirm too that the mission this morning did happen, but President Obama made a coy reference just before the "State of the Union" address to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta. Take a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Good job tonight. Good job tonight.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: Chris Lawrence at the Pentagon. Chris, this stirs up a lot of memories of that mission that took down Osama Bin Laden, and I understand you learned just minutes ago of a pretty special connection here.

CHRIS LAWRENCE, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: That's right, Kyra. The so-called SEAL Team Six, the very elite fighting force that the made the assault on Osama Bin Laden's compound, some of the members of that same team were also involved in this special operations mission.

Not to say exactly the same men. But, again, the same team, that SEAL Team Six that did the assault on Osama Bin Laden's compound, that same team was involved in this assault as well, as part of a bigger, joint effort.

Just backing up a little bit. We now have new details. We know that these aid workers were kidnapped back in late October, but military sources now tell us that the sense of urgency really started to heighten this month in January.

Part of that, contributing to that, was Jessica Buchan's deteriorating health. They got some actionable intelligence specifically who was holding her and where they were. And on Monday, President Obama gave the authorization to go ahead with the rescue mission.

On Tuesday, that is when the military decided to carry it out. The team was dropped near the compound. We're told that nine kidnappers were holding the two hostages.

All nine of them were killed by the assault team. And the two hostages were found at an outdoor encampment nearby -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: And apparently the hostage-taking driven by ransom money, not terrorism, right?

LAWRENCE: That's what we believe right now. Sources say there doesn't appear to be any direct link between these -- the people who were holding them and any known Jihadist group.

Again, you've seen a lot of this piracy out on the open seas, but there's been such a concentration with an international task force and a lot of resources designed to stop that. We've talked about a number of rescues on the high seas.

That is sort of pushed some of the effort by some of the kidnappers back to land, where a lot of these aid workers are very easy targets for kidnapping.

PHILLIPS: Chris Lawrence at the Pentagon. Chris, thanks so much.

LAWRENCE: Yes.

PHILLIPS: You know, our Zain Verjee has been following Somali pirates for years, the history and the progress. She's talked to ex-pirates, former hostages and those who fight piracy. So, Zain, what message do you think this sends to the Somali pirates?

ZAIN VERJEE, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: This sends a pretty powerful message from the United States, basically saying we're fed up, enough is enough and we're not afraid.

But what's also important is, is that kidnapping people for ransom has become a new revenue stream for the pirates out there, so they're unlikely just to give up and say, OK, then, we're going to stop.

What's also important to know, Kyra, is that their tactics have changed a lot over the past few months because initially you would hijack a ship for ransom, take it to Somalia and negotiate it for an average of $7 million.

What's been happening is that you've got a lot more powerful blowback from militaries out on the Indian Ocean. Vessels traveling have better onboard security. The weather conditions are also really bad.

So pirates are finding it a little bit harder to hijack ships and bring them to Somalia, so you've been seeing them go for which they think is an easier target, which is individuals, to take them for hostage to Somalia and negotiate a ransom.

By the way, these groups, the different pirate groups and the criminal gangs and even militants will tend to barter according to some reports and sources the individual hostages amongst themselves so they can get the most amount of money for them.

PHILLIPS: Zain Verjee, thanks for the context. Appreciate it.

President Obama wants to level the playing field between the rich and the poor, and he used the "State of the Union" address to make the case for equal access to the American dream. Take a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PRESIDENT OBAMA: The defining issue of our time, how to keep that promise alive. No challenge is more urgent, no debate is more important. We can either settle for a country where a shrinking number of people do really well while a growing number of Americans barely get by. Or we can restore an economy where everyone gets a fair shot, and everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same set of rules.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: Get to the White House and our Brianna Keilar. Brianna, you know, he mentioned this economic blueprint. He laid out some specifics. Break it down for us.

BRIANNA KEILAR, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Some pillars as the White House would call them, Kyra, that there's some sort of main tenets of this and that's what he's going to be pushing out on the road.

Manufacturing jobs is one of them. That's what he's pushing today in Iowa and Arizona and Christine Romans will break that down for you right after me as well as job training and investment in education.

Job training for those out of work and for veterans, for example, and an increase in domestic energy, fossil fuels and domestic energy. Of course, the big problem is, for the president anyways, is Congress is divided.

And so he's not expecting to get a whole lot of help, and that's really for the idea of the tax on millionaires comes in. It fits into his theme of fairness, laying down that sort of line in the sand there, Kyra.

Yesterday saying that those who make a million dollars or more should be taxed at least 30 percent. This is something that polls pretty well, and the president will have a lot of opportunity here in the coming several months before the election, both with the extension of the payroll tax cut coming next month.

And then, of course, with the issue of the Bush tax cuts, which are set to expire at the end of the year and President Obama will argue they should expire for the wealthy. So it kind of gives him a tenet that he can sort of push of a lot going into the election -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: All right, now more from the president and the Republican rebuttal --

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PRESIDENT OBAMA: To end the notion that the two parties must be locked in a perpetual campaign of mutual destruction, that politics is about clinging to rigid ideologies instead of building consensus around commonsense ideas.

GOVERNOR MITCH DANIELS (R), INDIANA: No feature of the Obama presidency has been sadder than its constant efforts to divide us, to curry favor with some Americans while castigating others.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: Brianna, strong words from Republican Governor Mitch Daniels of Indiana.

KEILAR: That's right and he had sort of the perch as an outsider. He's outside the fray that's going on in Washington. But he was making the same point that congressional Republicans have made really there, Kyra, calling this idea of this taxing the wealthy, calling it class warfare, really trying to divide people.

The other thing that I thought was really interesting that Governor Daniels said and, again, trumpeting what Republicans say, is this argument that, yes, President Obama did inherit a bad economy, but he's made it worse.

That's what Republicans have said. The president trying to convince voters and this will be key as he faces a tough re-election battle, trying to convince voters that he's done everything he can.

And that they should stick by him, have some patience because the trajectory for an even better economy is ahead and he has a plan for it -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: All right, Brianna Keilar at the White House. Brianna, thanks so much.

You know, another big focus of President Obama's speech, bringing jobs back to America.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PRESIDENT OBAMA: My message to business leaders is simple -- ask yourselves what you can do to bring jobs back to your country and your country will do everything we can to help you succeed.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: Thought I was listening to JFK there for a moment, Christine Romans, joining us live out of New York. How's the president going to entice companies to get on bar board? CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: It's interesting because I've been calling it the JFK moment as well. The bottom line here is companies don't do things out of patriotism and out of the kindness of their heart.

They do things because it pleases their shareholders and they can show a return on investment for shareholders. That's the way companies work. Look, the president knows that more than anyone. He was striking a very populist tone, that he wants to bring companies back -- jobs back.

He wants to reward companies that create jobs here, not abroad. He doesn't want to give tax breaks and deductions for growing somewhere else and ignoring this most important market for the American people.

He said, you know, give me a package of tax code changes and I'll sign them today. Let's make sure that companies that want to invest in downtrodden neighborhoods can get special financing and retraining and can get special tax breaks and deductions for investing in this country.

He outlined quite a few different things, but remember he's also running against a do-nothing Congress, right, Kyra? So the chances of Congress coming back and giving him a whole package of tax reform right now is probably pretty slim.

But he likes -- and he has before highlighted Master Lock, this Milwaukee lock maker, that has moved some companies -- some jobs back here. Because, look, you get out of control of your production line sometimes when you go overseas or things don't turn out the way you wanted them to.

Companies are coming back, though, Kyra, not because the president asked them to, but because it makes financial sense for them to do that and that's where the populist rhetoric I think and tax code changes have to come together.

You know, companies want fewer regulations. They want streamlined government and less red tape and a lower tax rate. That's what they want. That's what they'll bring the jobs back for.

PHILLIPS: Christine Romans, thanks so much.

And coming up we'll talk with CNN senior political analyst, Ron Brownstein. We're going to ask about Herman Cain giving the Tea Party response to the speech. Our first question, why Herman Cain?>

Get you back on the campaign trail. Newt Gingrich surging in the polls in Florida just one day before the CNN debate there. He's neck in neck with Mitt Romney.

And at any minute now, Gingrich is expected to give a big policy speech focusing on Latin America. Jim Acosta in Miami once again with the Gingrich camp looking at those new poll numbers and probably going to hit Cafe Versailles as well. What's the mood, Jim? JIM ACOSTA, CNN POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT: If only we could make a stop at Cafe Versailles this morning, that's right, Kyra. Yes, I mean, speaking of polls, there's a CNN/"Time"/ORC poll out later this afternoon on the race in Florida. That's going to be very interesting to watch.

Earlier this morning, there was a Quinnipiac poll that came out. It was taken sort of before and after some of the results in South Carolina and that Monday debate, so it's not exactly clear, you know, whether we can draw too many parallels on that about what's happening down here in Florida.

But it shows Newt Gingrich gaining on Mitt Romney, basically erasing the huge lead that Mitt Romney had down here in this state. But really what's happening today, Kyra, out on the campaign trail both of these contenders are going after the Latino vote, which as you know, maybe over in Texas where there are Mexican-Americans, it's the big enchilada.

Here in South Florida, it's the big empenada, and we're going to hear Newt Gingrich in just a few moments from now talking to a crowd of what will be a lot of Cuban-Americans going after the key vote.

And it's interesting because both of the contenders are talking with Univision today. The Spanish Language Network is talking to all of the GOP candidates about where they stand on key issues like immigration reform.

That's a big issue among Latinos and you heard Mitt Romney the other night at the GOP debate talking about self-deportation, he said if you have the right policies in place, people will self-deport themselves. Illegal immigrants will self-deport themselves back to the countries of origin.

Well, Newt Gingrich asked about this by Univision earlier this morning at a Univision forum, had some fun with that comment. Here's what he had to say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What do you think about Romney's idea about self- deportation about the 11 million undocumented immigrants in this country, self-deportation.

NEWT GINGRICH (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Can I ask you a question?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Sure.

GINGRICH: I mean, you're a very sophisticated observer and the most widely watched analyst in Spanish language television in the United States. How close are you to breaking up laughing out loud at this fantasy?

(END VIDEO CLIP) ACOSTA: So there you go, fantasyland from Newt Gingrich on Mitt Romney's comments on self-deportation. Another big issue down here that we're going to be hearing a lot about is the Dream Act. Kyra, I know you've done a lot of stories on that.

That's the law that a lot of Hispanics would like to see passed that would help create a path of citizenship for young illegal immigrants who are of Spanish heritage in this country.

Newt Gingrich has said there are parts of that bill that he likes. Mitt Romney has said he would veto it. So that's going to be another one of those flash points in this race for that vote down here in Florida -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Jim Acosta. We'll keep an eye on the event with you. Thank you so much.

Happening right now -- you're looking at live pictures of U.S. Representative Gabby Giffords. We are following this, of course, because she is going to submit her resignation letter right here, and we're going to follow that.

We're expecting some pretty emotional testimony. Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi is going to discuss Giffords' career in the house following that. Probably Republican Leader Eric Cantor, possibly Boehner making brief remarks about Giffords and her service in the House of Representatives.

And then we're expected to hear from Gabby Giffords' closest friend, you can see her right there by her side, Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz. So, it is -- we're going -- we're going to watch it. We're going to dip in live once the formalities begin.

And then after that, the congresswoman -- actually just prior -- is going to vote on her final piece of legislation, which is why you see the numbers up here.

It's a bill that would impose tough new penalties on smugglers who use ultralight aircraft to illegally bring drugs across the U.S./Mexico border. It's been a bill that has been very important to Congresswoman Giffords.

And if you're just tuning in, once again, after five years in the House, Congresswoman Gabby Giffords going to the formalities, and the letter will be read, her letter of resignation. She does make it perfectly clear, though, and she promises this in her letter, that, quote, "I will recover, and I will return."

U.S. Representative Gabby Giffords submitting her formal letter of resignation from the House of Representatives any moment now and we should hear -- it's probably going to take a good amount of time.

A number of people are going to step up to the mic and talk about her career. And it looks like things are going to begin. Boehner at the mic. Let's go ahead and listen in.

(BEGIN LIVE SPEECH)

REP. JOHN BOEHNER (R-OH), SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: On this vote the yes are 338, the nos are 70. Two-thirds being in the affirmative, the rules are suspended. The bill is passed. Without objection the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. The House will be in order. Members can take their seats.

(END LIVE SPEECH)

PHILLIPS: Kate Bolduan, you with me? Are you there on the Hill?

KATE BOLDUAN, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: I'm right here, Kyra.

PHILLIPS: OK, great. Tell us what's happening right now. We had a hard time hearing the volume there. Here we go, we think -- Pelosi has just stepped up to the mic. Let's go ahead and listen, Kate, stay with me.

(BEGIN LIVE SPEECH)

REP. NANCY PELOSI (D-CA), HOUSE MINORITY LEADER: Mr. Speaker, all of us come to the floor today, colleagues of Congresswoman Gabby Giffords to salute her as the brightest star among us, the brightest star Congress has ever seen.

When she came to Congress and in her service and leadership here, Gabby Giffords brought to Washington and the capitol the views of a new generation of national leader. From this floor, she has spoken out courageously and led boldly at times that demanded both.

Since the tragic event of one year ago, Congresswoman Giffords has become an inspiring symbol of determination and courage to millions of Americans. She has brought the word dignity to new heights by her courage.

Congresswoman Giffords' message of bipartisanship and civility is one that all in Washington and in the nation should honor and emulate. As Gabby said in her video, which moved us all so much this weekend, we can do so much more by working together.

In that vein, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank you for courtesies extended to enable this extraordinary ceremony to take place today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

And with your permission, I'd like to acknowledge Gabby's mother who is with us today, Gloria, and her father, Spencer, who is watching from Tucson.

Gloria? We thank you, and we thank Commander Mark Kelly, a hero in his own right as an astronaut, a hero in his own right as an astronaut and a commander of a mission, but also our personal hero for the care and love that he has given to Gabby over this past year.

And before that, to help make her as Gloria and Spencer have, the person that she is. I join -- I think all of our colleagues join us, thanking you Gabby for the honoring of calling you colleague and wishing you and Mark much happiness and success.

You will be missed in the House of Representatives, but your legacy in this Congress and your leadership in our nation will certainly endure.

So, thank you for being who you are, for lifting our country at a very important and sad time. And we wish you, again, much success with great gratitude, admiration and affection. We salute you, Congresswoman Gabby Giffords.

The gentleman seek recognition? It's my privilege to yield the floor to the distinguished majority leader of the House, Representative Cantor.

REP. ERIC CANTOR (R-VA), HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER: I thank the leader. And, Mr. Speaker, a little more than a year ago, America witnessed a heinous attack on Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, her staff, and the citizens of Tucson.

This attack took six innocent lives, including Gabe Zimmerman, injured 13, and shook all of us in the congressional community and, in fact, our nation to its core. This attack was a stark reminder that even in this country, where freedom of speech and public demonstration are the cornerstones of our democracy, citizens and public officials can face violence and danger.

We will never forget those who lost their life on that fateful day or the brave efforts of our law enforcement, community members, and a very special intern who responded in the emergency.

Mr. Speaker, I know I speak for all of my colleagues when I say we are inspired, hopeful, and blessed for the incredible progress that Gabby has made in her recovery.

Gabby's courage, her strength, and her downright fortitude are an inspiration to all of us and all Americans. As Gabby leaves the House today, Mr. Speaker, she's decided to focus her energies on recovery.

But she has refused to give up her fight for the people of her beloved Arizona and her country. And as such, today, we will vote on her legislation to help secure our nation's south western border.

Gabby's bill gives law enforcement greater authority to penalize those who seek to do us harm by engaging in illegal activity along the border. I commend Gabby for her commitment to work on this and her unwavering commitment to a safer, more secure America.

For the past six years, Congresswoman Gabby Giffords has served Arizona's eighth district with dedication and dignity. I want to recognize her accomplishments here and thank her staff and their exceptional service, dedication, and, yes, courage during these difficult times.

Mr. Speaker, I especially want to recognize her chief of staff, Pia Carusone. I know, having met with Pia personally, her having worked with our office, she has demonstrated incredible dedication to her co-workers, to you, Gabby.

And, Mr. Speaker, she has demonstrated unparalleled leadership for the people of the eighth district of Arizona. And to that I know they are and we are very grateful. On Sunday, Mr. Speaker, I received a call from Captain Mark Kelly, as we all know, Gabby's husband, who informed me of Gabby's decision.

Mark has been steadfast in his support of his wife and forever by her side as her best friend and partner. Though Gabby may be leaving Washington today, I know this won't be the last we see of her or Mark.

We wish you, Gabby. We wish Mark, together, the best as they continue the process of Gabby's recovery. And I will say once again, Mr. Speaker, Congresswoman Gabby Giffords' strength against all odds serves and will continue to serve as a daily inspiration to all of us. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I yield back.

BOEHNER: Gentlelady from California.

PELOSI: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the leader and am now pleased to yield to Gabby's friend, the distinguished minority whip of the House, Congressman Hoyer.

REP. STENY HOYER (D-MD), HOUSE MINORITY WHIP: I thank the leader for yielding. I thank the speaker for ensuring that we would have this opportunity to speak to our friend, Gabby Giffords. I thank the majority leader for his comments.

None of us on this floor are talented enough to summon the rhetoric that all of us feel in our hearts. We have young men and women, arrayed on the fields in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other troubled spots in the world. They are fighting for freedom and democracy.

And too many of them are injured on those fields. Our beloved colleague, Gabrielle Giffords, was injured on the field in the exercise of that democracy. And in being injured, she has become an example for us, for all Americans, indeed all the world of courage, of clarity of purpose, of grace, of responsibility, of a sense of duty, which she exercises this day.

I love Gabby Giffords. I was honored when she first ran for office before she was elected, to go to her district, as I have done for so many others in this country, to stand by her side, to walk down the streets of her community with her, to see and hear the beauty not only a person. Many of us see the outward visage of us all. But Gabby's beauty is in the heart, in the soul, in the spirit.

The House of Representatives of America has been made proud by this extraordinary daughter of this House, who served so well during her tenure here, who felt so deeply about her constituents and cared so much for her country.

Gabby, we love you. We have missed you.

Mr. Speaker, I don't know whether you were able to hear that response. As Gabby looked with that extraordinary smile, the twinkle in her eyes, as she said to me and to all of us, "And I miss you." Do any of us doubt that that is the case?

Pia, we are blessed in this House to be served by extraordinary people, of which you are a perfect example. Of people who love us, but love their country even more, who serve our constituents so extraordinarily well, who evidence every day care for us and care for the work that we do, which we could not do, Pia, without people like yourself and all of your colleagues that we call staff. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, God has blessed Gabrielle Giffords and he has sent a blessing to all of us in the person of Gabrielle Giffords. And God bless Gabby as well with an extraordinary mom and dad and an extraordinary partner in life. Mark, we owe you a debt of gratitude. Our country owes you a debt of gratitude.

I look forward to the day when you and Gabby will be returning here, return to full health and full ability to serve.

Gabby, America thanks you. It thanks you for the example that you have given of overcoming adversity and doing so with a spirit unparalleled. God bless you and Godspeed.

PELOSI: Mr. Speaker, I know that every member in the House would like to associate himself or herself with the remarks of our distinguished Majority Leader and Democratic Whip, especially in regard to Gabby, of course, but also Pia. It is something that every day we have the chaplain or the guest chaplain come to the floor and ask God's blessing on this House.

As Mr. Hoyer said, one of those blessings to us has certainly been the leadership and the life and service that will continue for many years to come of Congresswoman Gabby Giffords.

We focus on her. She is our friend. We look at her remarkable recovery with great pride. She also carries in her need for recovery the sorrow of so many others who lost their lives today. So, the apparent physical recovery that we see is something even more than we could ever imagine for the challenge that Congresswoman Giffords has faced.

God gave her a very special mission. He gave it to Gabby Giffords because he knew she could carry that burden because he had blessed her with so many, many gifts and a very loving family to make her the person that she is. How fortunate we have all been to be part of her life until now, and hopefully for a long time to come, she will miss us.

I -- so now it is with very mixed emotions, Mr. Speaker, that I yield to Gabby's very good and close friend. I say with mixed emotions, because we want her to stay with us. Intellectually, no, she, Gabby, has made the right decision. Hopefully it will be liberating for her in many ways, but that she goes without knowing the close ties we all feel personally to her.

And so, Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to yield the floor now to a very close friend of Gabby, a leader in this House, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

BOEHNER: Well, the gentle lady from Florida is recognized.

REP. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ (D), FLORIDA: If I can ask my colleagues to join me at the well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Madam Leader, Mr. Whip and Majority Leader. I couldn't prepare anything this morning because I knew that I would not be able to hold it together very long.

I am so proud of my friend, and it will always be one of the great treasures of my life to have met Gabby Giffords and to have served with her in this body.

We have all been through such a tumultuous year. The nation has been through a tumultuous year. No one more tumultuous than Gabby and her family and her constituents in her beloved home city of Tucson, Arizona.

And I know, being able to be Gabby's voice today, that knowing her as well as I do, that the one thing that has not been said is that Gabby wants her constituents to know, her constituents who she loves so much in southern Arizona, that it has been the greatest professional privilege of her life to represent them, that she loves them as a fifth generation Tucsonian, that her public service has meant a great deal to her, and that this is only a pause in that public service and that she will return one day.

To public service, to represent them, as she has so capably for the last five and a half years.

And let me just say a point of personal privilege that for the last year, it has been one of the honors of my life and the most important thing to remember that no matter what we argue about here on this floor or in this country, that there is nothing more important than family and friendship, and that should be held on high above all else. And I will always carry that in my heart, and even though I know we won't see each other every day, Gabby, we'll be friends for life. For life.

REP. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS (D), ARIZONA: Thank you.

SCHULTZ: I'm so sorry.

It's my privilege to read this letter on behalf of Gabby and her family and her constituents. "January 25th, 2012, the honorable John Boehner, Speaker of the House of Representatives. Dear Speaker Boehner, in 2001, strongly holding the belief that there is no higher calling than serving my country, I went from selling tires in my Tucson family business to being a freshman representative in the Arizona statehouse.

And for ten years, I served in the Arizona legislature, in the United States Congress, and after marrying Mark, as a proud military spouse. Always I fought for what I thought was right, but never did I question the character of those with whom I disagreed. Never did I let pass an opportunity to join hands with someone just because he or she held different ideals.

In public service I found a venue for my pursuit of a stronger America. By ensuring the safety and security of all Americans, by producing clean energy here at home instead of importing oil from abroad and by honoring our brave men and women in uniform with the benefits they earned, I found a way to care for others. And in the past year I have found a value that is unbreakable even by the most vicious of attacks.

The tragic January 8th shooting in Tucson took the lives of six beautiful Americans and wounded 13 others, me included." I'm sorry. "Not a day goes by that I don't feel grief for the lives lost and so many others torn apart. Christina Taylor Green, Dorothy Morris, John Rolle, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwin Stoddard and Gabe Zimmerman embodied the best of America.

Each in their own way, they committed their lives to serving their families, community and country and they died performing a basic but important act of citizenship that is at the heart greatness as a nation. They will be remembered always by their country and by their Congress.

I don't remember much from that terrible day, but I've never forgotten my constituents, my colleagues or the hope or the millions of Americans with whom I share great hopes for this nation. To all of them, thank you for your prayers, your cards, your well wishes and your support.

And even as I have worked to regain my speech, thank you for your faith in my ability to be your voice. The only way I ever served my district and Congress was by giving 100 percent." I would add it's 150. "This past year that's what I have given to my recovery. Thank you for your patience.

From my first steps and first words after being shot to my current physical and speech therapy, I have given all of myself to being able to walk back onto the House floor this year to represent Arizona's eighth congressional district.

However, today I know that now is not the time. I have more work to do on my recovery before I can again serve in elected office. This past year my colleagues and staff have worked to make sure my constituents were represented in congress. But if I can't return, my district deserves to elect a U.S. Representative who can give 100 percent to the job now. For that reason, I have submitted the attached letter of resignation to Arizona Governor Jan Brewer.

Amid all that was lost on January 8th, there was also hope and faith. This past year it is what I have often clung to, hope that our government can represent the best of a nation, not the worst. Faith that Americans working together in their communities, in our Congress, can succeed without qualification. Hope and faith that even as we are set back by tragedy or profound disagreement, in the end we come together as Americans to set a course toward greatness.

Every day I am working hard. I will recover and will return, and we will work together again, for Arizona and for all Americans.

Sincerely, Gabrielle Giffords, member of Congress."

Mr. Speaker, in appreciation once again for your courtesy enabling this to happen, I yield back the balance of our time.

BOEHNER: The gentle lady yields back the balance of her time.

The chair would remind all members to be in proper business attire when you come to the floor of the House. Without objection, five-minute voting will continue. The unfinished business is the vote on the motion of the gentleman from Washington, Mr. Riker (ph) to suspend the bills and pass --

(END LIVE SPEECH)

PHILLIPS: Ok. Holy cow, cue the waterworks. In a time, Kate Bolduan, when there has been so much division between Democrats and Republicans, what we witnessed right there on the floor was absolutely just remarkable. Talking about the dedication, the dignity, the courage of Gabby Giffords.

Everybody really coming together, joining in one cause, and that was to lift up the congresswoman, as she handed in her letter of resignation. We see now her husband, too, and it was hard for him. I think everybody had to -- had to work hard to hold back those tears.

BOLDUAN: Yes -- right?

PHILLIPS: What's the one thing, Kate, before we go to break, that stands out to you about what we just witnessed, you know? Aside from the unity and the compassion and the love, something we don't often see there among our politicians.

BOLDUAN: Well, honestly, Kyra, that's exactly what I would say is the one thing that really stands out, just the raw emotion and the absolute outpouring, genuine outpouring, of love and support for Gabrielle Giffords that really tugs at the heartstrings.

We often maybe overuse these type of big words, but this was an extraordinary moment that we just witnessed on the house floor. These moments do not happen, especially in the environment with which the hyper-partisan environment that I cover up here day in and day out.

It is a moment, it was an absolute extraordinary moment to watch, and I will tell you a moment to try to remember especially for the members of Congress that are there today as they move forward and the House and Senate pick back up their work. The eloquent words with which everyone spoke was really something to listen to. It was an extraordinary moment to be able to watch.

PHILLIPS: Yes. And incredibly inspirational. Kate Bolduan on The Hill, thanks so much.

And if you're just tuning in or you were able to witness that remarkable 20, 25 minutes or so there on the House floor, Gabrielle Giffords, Congresswoman Giffords, turning in her letter of resignation today. But she makes it perfectly clear she's going to recover, and she's going to return.

And we'll be right back after a quick break.

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PELOSI: We thank you, and we thank Commander Mark Kelly, a hero in his own right.

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PHILLIPS: All right. Let's do some more Wednesday morning quarterbacking on the State of the Union address, all right? Herman Cain back in the spotlight, giving the Tea Party movement's response.

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HERMAN CAIN, FORMER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: We need another revolution. This time it will not be about bombs and bullets. It's going to be about brains and ballots at the ballot box.

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PHILLIPS: Another revolution. CNN's senior political analyst Ron Brownstein joining me for some context here. I want to ask you about Herman Cain in just a second, but Ron, you and I were watching it within the past 45 minutes. Your reaction to this incredible moment for Gabby Giffords as she turns in her letter of resignation.

RON BROWNSTEIN, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL ANALYST: You know, as you were talking about, this is a very polarized time in Washington, the level of party-line voting in Congress is the highest it's been since the 1890s. And, you know, we tend to think of these legislators as almost a physical embodiment of ideological and institutional interests.

It takes a moment like this to remind us that they are human beings, they are people. And the emotion you saw on the floor I think was very real. Not likely to spill over and affect the legislative and ideological disputes they have, but a good moment to remind all of us that cover, to think about and talk about these folks that they are people and they are not just simply kind of embodiments of one point of view or another. It's good to remember that -- it's good for them to remember that as well.

PHILLIPS: Point well made. I think without a doubt everybody inspired by that today, Ron.

Ok. Herman Cain, giving the Tea Party movement response. Why Herman Cain? Why not Michele Bachmann? She founded the House Tea Party caucus.

BROWNSTEIN: You know, I was not consulted on the decision, but I think it's actually a very interesting choice, in that it reflects the fundamental nature of the Tea Party is to be suspicious of all officeholders, Republicans as well as Democrats. They chose an outsider in Herman Cain.

But, you know, it's also a reflection of why the Tea Party as not had as much influence in the 2012 Republican race so far as people would have expected given their track record in 2010 when they not only made a lot of noise they actually won a lot of Republican primaries. There is not someone in this field who is intrinsically, organically part of this movement that they can fully relate to.

Newt Gingrich has kind of morphed himself into the closest thing by giving voice I think to the id of the party on attacking Obama and the media and elites on the coast and kind of reverting back to his 1980s days. But there really isn't a perfect fit in this field. And the fact that they had to go to Herman Cain to find their response, I think is an indication of why.

PHILLIPS: And Ron, Cain also talking about Stephen Colbert endorsing him. What was that all about? Is this about the Tea Party or is this about Herman Cain?

BROWNSTEIN: Well, yes. Right. And about Stephen Colbert, he asked people to vote for Herman Cain in South Carolina as a way of expressing support for Stephen Colbert's campaign against Super PACs. Did you follow that? Not that many people did.

It's kind of a side show. Look, I mean you know, Herman Cain is trying to make himself into a voice in the Republican Party, I'm sure he will be. He does have an audience. But, you know, there's a lot of self-promotion in modern politics, people run for president for a lot of different reasons other than expected and to be elected president, and I think, you know, you see the synergism of Herman Cain, Stephen Colbert on the one hand. Herman Cain and the Tea Party on the other; all kind of using each other to raise their visibility.

PHILLIPS: Ron Brownstein. Ron, thanks for rolling with the punches there and hanging in there until the end of the hour. Appreciate it Ron. Thanks so much for the context.

BROWNSTEIN: Thank you.

KYRA: Well, straight ahead, a daring rescue by U.S. Navy SEALS frees American aid worker, Jessica Buchanan and minutes ago our Brian Todd actually spoke to Jessica's father. He joins us right after the break.

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PHILLIPS: Just before we hit the top of the hour and hand it off to Suzanne Malveaux, Brian Todd joining me. Apparently, Brian, some good news to report. You just had a chance to talk to the father of the American aid worker that was rescued by the Navy SEALs, Jessica Buchanan. What did he have to say?

BRIAN TODD, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, hi, Kyra, I spoke to Jonathan Buchanan a short time ago, I asked him how his daughter was doing. He said she's doing well, quote, "under the circumstances". I asked him whether she had a health issue because a Pentagon spokesman a short time ago said that they had learned that Miss Buchanan had a health condition that was a -- a medical condition that was serious and could be life threatening. That forced them to accelerate the rescue mission. Her father, John Buchanan said he didn't want to get in to that.

But he did seemed very relieved, of course, that his daughter had been rescued. He didn't want to go on camera until he had a chance to speak to his daughter, I asked him when that would be and he said, quote, "Some day". I asked him how the family was doing and with kind of a relieved chuckle, he said we're fine now. And he says we're happy that the guys were able to do what they did.

And I asked him what he would say to the Navy SEALs and Special Forces who rescued his daughter. He said I'd say thank you. We're very grateful. So, that's pretty much all he had to say. He said he was traveling and couldn't speak to anyone on camera. He didn't really indicate where. I asked him. And he said he wanted to be vague about it, but it could be -- he's on the way now to reunite with his daughter somewhere.

PHILLIPS: Brian Todd, thanks so much.

Suzanne, I know you're going to be talking a lot more about this story as well. Can you imagine, he probably can't wait to get his hands on his daughter and give her a big hug and kiss.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN ANCHOR: I certainly hope she's ok. I mean but thank God they rescued her just in time.

PHILLIPS: Yes.

MALVEAUX: All right. Thanks Kyra.

PHILLIPS: You bet.