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TUCSON - Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was able to stand on her own two feet today, with assistance, and UMC Dr. Peter Rhee confirms that "aggressive rehab" has already begun for the congresswoman recovering from a traumatic brain injury.

Earlier today, Giffords also sat in a chair and looked out at the Catalina Mountains from her hospital room, Dr. Rhee says.

Dr. Rhee would not confirm that Giffords will leave for TIRR Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation Hospital in Houston on Friday, but he says the transition from UMC to the next hospital will be seamless.

TIRR is one of the top-rated rehabilitation hospitals in the country, and has been recognized for this for the past 21 years, according to U.S. News and World Report. The hospital was chosen for its rehabilitation program and its relative proximity to Tucson, Giffords' husband Mark Kelly says.

"I am extremely hopeful at the signs of recovery that my wife has made since the shooting," says Kelly. "The team of doctors and nurses at UMC has stabilized her to the point of being ready to move to the rehabilitation phase. Their goal - and our goal - has been to provide Gabby with the best care possible.