In a heavily produced video, Gabby Giffords has announced that she will resign from congress this week. She has been convalescing since being shot in Tucson a year ago.

Giffords, whose ability to speak was damaged by the gunman's attack, made the announcement herself in a YouTube video posted to her account. She plans to attend President Barack Obama's State of the Union address on Tuesday and will resign sometime after that.

I have more work to do on my recovery, so to do what is best for Arizona, I will step down this week," Giffords said in slow speech. "I'm getting better every day. My spirit is high. I will return and we will work together for Arizona and this great country.