[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 35 (Sunday, March 20, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S3099]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             TERRI SCHIAVO

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, the Congress is continuing to work to pass 
legislation to give Terri Schiavo another chance at life. Let me update 
all of our colleagues on where we are right now.
  On Saturday, yesterday, we reached a bipartisan, bicameral agreement 
on a legislative solution. At that point, we initiated a procedural 
process to act on the bill, a process which brought both the House of 
Representatives and the Senate back today to complete action on this 
critically important matter.
  Shortly, we will stand in recess subject to the call of the Chair. 
This action will allow the Senate to come back into session at a 
moment's notice to consider the legislation. The Senate will remain 
here throughout the afternoon and, if necessary, late into the evening 
in order to act immediately on this bill once it is ready.
  Because Terri Schiavo is being denied lifesaving nutrition this very 
moment, time is of the essence.
  Let me summarize again for everyone what the agreed-upon legislation 
does. Under this bill, Terri Schiavo will have another chance. She will 
have another opportunity to live. The bill allows Terri's case to be 
heard in Federal court. More specifically, it allows a Federal district 
judge to consider a claim on behalf of Terri Schiavo for alleged 
violations of constitutional rights or Federal laws relating to the 
withholding of food, water, or medical treatment necessary to sustain 
her life.
  I am heartened by the way Congress is uniting in a bipartisan, 
bicameral way in this unique situation. Now is the time for us to act. 
Terri deserves it. I remain committed as leader to pass legislation to 
give Terri Schiavo one more chance at life.

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