Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords Receives 42nd Distinguished Service Award in U.S. House Chamber

The U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress (FMC) recognized former Congresswoman Giffords' inspirational public service. FMC also named former Congresswoman Connie Morella, as FMC's new president.

WASHINGTON, July 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress presented Congresswoman Gabrielle "Gabby" Giffords with the organization's 2012 "Distinguished Service Award." The award is presented each year to a former Member of Congress who has demonstrated a record of outstanding public service, and a dedication to improving the lives of every American.

On Tuesday, July 10, in the Chamber of the House of Representatives, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL) accepted the Distinguished Service Award on behalf of Congresswoman Giffords, her colleague and close friend. "Gabby has worked tirelessly over the years to represent not only Arizonans, military families, and veterans, but all Americans. She has reached across party lines to forge bipartisan solutions to our nation's problems, and has inspired so many people with her strength in the wake of unimaginable tragedy and heartbreak," said Wasserman-Schultz. "She is thrilled to accept this wonderful award, and wishes she could be here to say thank you in person."

Former U.S. House of Representatives Member, Connie Morella (R-MD), who was officially named FMC's incoming president for a two-year term, praised Giffords for her strength and courage following a shooting that almost ended her life, and sadly, the lives others. "After the tragic events of January 8, 2011, Gabby has never lost her remarkable ability to inspire Americans with her strength, courage, bravery, and perseverance," Morella said. "As an organization dedicated to public service and bi-partisanship, I couldn't think of a more deserving person to receive our Distinguished Service Award than Gabby." (Past award recipients include: John Warner, Bob Dole, George Mitchell, Albert Gore, Jr., Lindy Boggs, and Bill Richardson, among others.)

Morella is herself a pioneer for women's issues and an advocate for the concerns of the people she served in Congress for more than 16 years, according to Pete Weichlein, executive director of FMC. "Connie is one of those rare people who, while she has reached the heights in her professional career, still manages to serve people, and dedicate her life to public service," he said. "We look forward to her continuing to represent the service efforts of more than 600 of our members, and helping the American people and others around the world, understand and appreciate the many benefits of our representative democracy."

In addition to serving as a Member of Congress, Morella was named U.S. Ambassador to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, where she served from 2003 to 2007. She is also a faculty member at American University in Washington, D.C., and is an active participant in FMC's many educational outreach efforts in her role as the organization's vice president. She holds a BA Degree from Boston University and an MA Degree from American University.

About FMC: The mission of FMC is to promote public service and strengthen democracy via domestic and international programs. FMC seeks to improve the public's understanding of the role of Congress as a unique institution, as well as the crucial importance of representative democracy as a system of government.  Former Members of Congress participate in many diverse pro bono projects such as election monitoring abroad, outreach to high school and university students, and programs with current Members of Congress. For more information on FMC, or to get involved, visit: www.usafmc.org.        

SOURCE U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress