Giffords insisted on casting vote

Before the shooting, Giffords had twice voted against raising the debt ceiling in earlier years, but the final outcomes of those votes were not in doubt. She issued a statement after the vote that she could not take a chance her absence this time around could prevent an increase in the debt ceiling and put the nation at risk of defaulting.

Giffords voted for the bill, which passed, 269 to 161.

Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, who exchanged what she called “girl hugs’’ with Giffords on the House floor, said she did not encourage Giffords to come to Washington because she didn’t believe the outcome would hinge on a single vote, as when Senator Edward M. Kennedy, while battling a brain tumor, returned to the Senate floor in 2008 to cast a decisive vote on Medicare legislation.

“She felt so strongly about it that she wanted to come and we are really very, very proud that she did,’’ Pelosi said. “It was a great moment. When the green light went up on the screen next to her name, it was a highly emotional moment for us.’’

Karamargin said Giffords met privately with her staff in Washington yesterday morning. She then left for Houston, where she is continuing to undergo outpatient therapy to help her recover from the shooting.

Arizona politicians are eagerly awaiting a decision on whether Giffords is going to seek reelection in 2012. Karamargin said she wants to remain in Congress, but it depends on the progress of her recovery.

“Going to Washington to cast a vote that’s absolutely critical to the country doesn’t change the fact she still has work to do in her recovery,’’ Karamargin said.

Ron Barber, another Giffords staffer who survived the shooting, said he was in physical therapy for his gunshot wound to the thigh when Giffords voted, but he tuned in when he got back to his Tucson home.

“I have to admit I wept,’’ he said. “All of us who were with her that day are encouraged by her progress.’’

— Associated Press