New pictures of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords shows progress of recovery. (credit Facebook/Gabrielle Giffords)

In releasing Giffords, doctors at TIRR Memorial in Houston said the congresswoman's physical strength and cognitive abilities are at the point where she no longer needed to remain in the hospital.

"Congresswoman Giffords has shown clear, continuous improvement from the moment she arrived at TIRR five months ago," Dr. Gerard Francisco, the hospital's chief medical officer, said in a news release. "We are very excited that she has reached the next phase of her rehabilitation and can begin outpatient treatment. We have no doubt that she will continue to make significant strides in her recovery."

Giffords will move to a home owned by her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly, in League City, which is 26 miles from Houston. She will continue her recovery on an outpatient basis at the same facility.

“Anyone who knows Gabby knows that she loves being outside,” said Kelly, who recently returned to Earth after commanding the Space Shuttle Endeavor's last mission to space. “Living and working in a rehab facility for five months straight has been especially challenging for her. She will still go to TIRR each day but from now on, when she finishes rehab, she will be with her family.”

Giffords was transferred to the Houston hospital shortly after the January 8 shooting, which happened during a meet-and-greet with constituents outside a Tucson supermarket. Six people were killed and a dozen others were injured in the attack. 22-year-old Jared Lee Loughner has been charged in the shooting.