Obama praises Giffords as an 'inspiration'

President Obama praised Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D) as an "inspiration" Sunday after news the Arizona lawmaker will step down from Congress to focus on her recovery from a shooting last year.

"We know it is with the best interests of her constituents in mind that Gabby has made the tough decision to step down from Congress," Obama said in a written statement released by the White House.

"Over the last year, Gabby and her husband Mark have taught us the true meaning of hope in the face of despair, determination in the face of incredible odds, and now – even after she’s come so far – Gabby shows us what it means to be selfless as well," the president added.

In a video message posted on her website Sunday, Giffords announced that she would leave Congress. "I have more work to do on my recovery so to do what is best for Arizona, I will step down this week," she said.

She expects to attend the president's State of the Union address on Tuesday.

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer (R) announced that she would call a special election to fill the seat.

Giffords suffered a bullet wound to her head when a gunman opened fire at a constituent event in Tucson, Ariz. Jan 8, 2011.  

Since the shooting, Giffords has regained the ability to walk and speak and doctors have praised her recovery as a miracle.

On the one year anniversary of her shooting, Obama spoke with Giffords and praised her "courage and determination." The president told the three-term congresswoman that he and the first lady still mourn the victims of the shooting rampage will claimed six lives and wounded 13 people including Giffords.

In his statement on Sunday, the president said Giffords's "cheerful presence will be missed in Washington."

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