Mr. Speaker, I support S. 686, for the Relief of the Parents of Theresa Marie Schiavo.

While I continue to support the right of individuals (through living wills) and families (when no living will exists) to make such difficult decisions, this case is unusual in two ways. First, while most families are united in these judgments, this family is clearly divided. Second, Terri Schiavo is not unresponsive to those around her, as is typically the case when these decisions are made. According to her mother, Terri smiles, laughs, cries, and otherwise responds to the presence of her family and others.

S. 686 does not make medical decisions. It merely allows Terri Schiavo's family the right to have their case heard in Federal court--a right routinely accorded to death row inmates. That right certainly should be accorded to a disabled person.