The debt-ceiling bill passes, 269-161. In the midst of it, Congress gave Gabby a standing ovation and a lot of hugs during her return to the House floor.

Giffords voted yes on the bill. Her statement:

I have closely followed the debate over our debt ceiling and have been deeply disappointed at what’s going on in Washington. After weeks of failed debate in Washington, I was pleased to see a solution to this crisis emerge. I strongly believe that crossing the aisle for the good of the American people is more important than party politics. I had to be here for this vote. I could not take the chance that my absence could crash our economy.

Nancy Pelosi: "Throughout America, there isn't a name that stirs more love, more admiration, more respect, more wishing for our daughters to be like her, than the name of Congresswoman Gabby Giffords". Now let's watch the reaction of financial markets.