[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 35 (Sunday, March 20, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S3104]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                SENATE PASSAGE OF THE TERRI SCHIAVO BILL

 Mr. TALENT. Mr. President, I believe in the dignity and value 
of life at all stages and I strongly supported the legislation to help 
Terri Schiavo. Doctors have said that Terri is not in a persistent 
vegetative state and there is a lot of evidence that she would improve 
if she can get the care her family wants to give her.
  It is not uncommon in cases where there has been a miscarriage of 
justice for the Congress to pass private bills. Our actions are 
consistent with the will of the people of Florida who have been 
repeatedly frustrated by the State courts. We have a chance to allow 
this young woman to live under the nurturing of her parents and to 
improve her condition.
  On Sunday, March 20, the Senate passed the Terri Schiavo bill. The 
House passed the bill early on Monday, March 21, by a vote of 203-58 
and President Bush signed the bill into law less than an hour later.
  The legislation will allow Federal courts to hear a claim on behalf 
of Terri Schiavo by her parents, Robert and Mary Schindler, alleging a 
violation of their daughter's rights under the Constitution or Federal 
law relating to the withholding or withdrawal of food, fluids, or 
medical treatment necessary to sustain her life.

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