LEAD: Congresswoman to resign to recover after 2011 shooting

Jan 23, 2012, 1:49 GMT

Washington - US Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords said Sunday she will step down from her post this week to focus on her ongoing recovery after surviving an assassination attempt more than a year ago.

'I don't remember much from that horrible day, but I will never forget the trust you put in me to be your voice,' Giffords, a Democrat, said in a video statement posted on her website.

'Thank you for your prayers and giving me time to recover. I have more work to do on my recovery so to do what is best for Arizona I will step down this week. I'm getting better. Every day my sprit is high. I will return and we will work together for Arizona and this great country.'

US President Barack Obama and lawmakers from both political parties said they would miss Giffords' presence in Washington and expressed admiration for how she handled her ordeal.

'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,' Obama said in a statement.

'She will remain an inspiration to all whose lives she touched - myself included. And I'm confident that we haven't seen the last of this extraordinary American.'

Giffords was shot in the head during a meeting with constituents on January 8 in an attack that killed six bystanders.

She underwent months of treatment and therapy before being released from hospital in June, to be cared for by her husband, former astronaut Mark Kelly, in Houston.

Giffords made a brief appearance in Congress to cast a key vote last summer, but was otherwise not actively involved in legislation as she underwent therapy.

Alleged shooter Jared Lee Loughner, 22, is undergoing mental treatment after being initially found incompetent to stand trial on 49 federal charges stemming from the attack.