[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 18]
[House]
[Page 25357]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO TERRI SCHINDLER-SCHIAVO

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Feeney) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. FEENEY. Mr. Speaker, tonight I rise to speak for the life of a 
fellow citizen, Ms. Terri Schindler-Schiavo. Her story has been heard 
worldwide and I join millions across the world, including our Governor, 
Jeb Bush, to urge that her feeding tube be replaced and her life 
spared.
  According to the web site established on her behalf, Terri was 26 
years old when she suffered brain damage from a sudden collapse. She 
receives her food and water by means of a feeding tube. Terri's other 
bodily functions are physically stable. Terri smiles, laughs and cries. 
Terri recognizes voices and responds. At times, she vocalizes sounds, 
trying in her best way to speak.
  While these situations are heart-breaking for all of those involved, 
we need to remember that all life is precious. It is not for us to 
measure what constitutes ``valuable life v. invaluable.'' We never know 
how one's life may impact others. While Terri's life seems ``a waste'' 
or ``over'' to others, she obviously brings delight and happiness to 
her family and those around her. Her parents and siblings have fought 
in court to keep Terri alive.
  Members, the prospect of a society that places price-tags on human 
life, is terrifying. We must uphold the American precedent that ``. . . 
All men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with 
certain unalienable rights, that among these are life . . .'' I stand 
in support of Terri's family, as well as our Governor and State leaders 
who are trying to preserve this precious life.

                          ____________________