With the effects of her brain injury apparent through her slow speech, former Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords opened up the Senate Judiciary Committee’s hearing on gun violence on Wednesday by saying, “Speaking is difficult but I need to say something important. Violence is a big problem.”
“Thank you for inviting me here today,” she said. “This is an important conversation for our children, for our communities, for Democrats and Republicans.”
Without getting specific, Giffords called on Congress to do something about gun violence.
“Too many children are dying,” she said. “Too many children. We must do something. It will be hard, but the time is now. You must act. Be bold. Be courageous. Americans are counting on you. Thank you.”
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Giffords survived being shot in the head during a district event in 2011 that killed six people.
Others expected to speak during the Wednesday hearing include NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre.