Giffords received a standing ovation as she entered the House chambers Monday night to vote on the debt limit bill. Giffords voted for the bill, which passed 269-161.
The Arizona Democrat responded to the attention with a smile, blowing kisses and mouthing the words "thank you" several times.
Her staff says she wants to resume work in Washington if and when her recovery from a gunshot wound allows it.
On Jan. 8, /*Giffords*/ was shot in the head in the parking lot of a Tucson grocery store while meeting with constituents. Six people were killed and 13 others, including Giffords, were wounded.
Giffords still has not made a decision about whether to seek re-election next year.
The latest financial reports show Giffords with more than $787,000 in the bank at the end of June, thanks to friends and colleagues who have raised money to ensure she has the resources for a campaign.
Meantime, Giffords is returning to Houston for more treatment.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
