Doctors replace Rep. Giffords' breathing tube

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - Doctors on Saturday removed Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' breathing tube and could soon know if she can speak.

Giffords had an operation Saturday to replace the breathing tube with a tracheotomy tube in her windpipe. That allows her to breathe better and frees her from the ventilator.

Though Giffords had been breathing on her own since she was shot in the head Jan. 8, doctors had left the breathing tube in as a precaution.