Shot congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords speaks at Senate hearing

Two years ago after being shot in the head during a mass shooting and a brave struggle to regain her speech, former Representative Gabrielle Giffords returned to appear before a congressional committee on Wednesday, looking at gun control issues in the wake of the Sandy Hook shooting, in which twenty children were killed.

Ms Giffords made a dramatic appeal for tougher gun control in America.

"Speaking is difficult, but I need to say something important," Ms Giffords said.

"The time is now. You must act. Be bold. Be courageous. Americans are counting on you."

Steve Kingstone reports.