Rep. Greg Stanton today praised President Biden’s decision to salute two Arizonans—the late Sen. John McCain and former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords—with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. He issued the following statement:

“John McCain and Gabby Giffords have shown us all what it means to live a life of tremendous courage that exemplifies the very best of America. Both of them personified a true Arizona spirit by demonstrating that we are not defined by what may knock us down, but rather by how we get back up.

After spending nearly six years in a prisoner of war camp, Senator McCain was unrelenting in his service to our country and a purpose greater than any single person. When the unthinkable happened to Congresswoman Giffords, she rose with courage and limitless strength to serve as a voice of moral clarity, and continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”