March 18, 2005—Today U.S. Rep. Trent Franks called on the U.S. Senate and the Florida Judiciary to act to protect the life of Terri Schiavo. The House passed legislation on Thursday evening which would allow for cases such as the one involving Ms. Schiavo to be elevated from state to federal court. Unfortunately, no action was taken on this legislation in the Senate due to the Democratic objection by Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid when a motion was raised to move the legislation to the Floor.

"This is just one more example of an out of control judiciary that is not only absolutely unhinged from the principles of Constitutional government, but basic human decency as well," said Rep. Franks. "The judge in this case seems to be more committed to a death ethic than any judicial ethic."

Ms. Schiavo has been described as being in a "persistent vegetative state." She breathes on her own and responds to visitors, but must receive nutrients and hydration through a feeding tube. Despite her being subpoenaed to appear before House and Senate committees, her feeding tube was removed today by order of a state judge.
 
"If we as a nation subject Terri Schiavo to the torture and agony of starving and thirsting to death while her mother and father are forced to watch, we will scar our own souls," said Rep. Franks. “It will be allowing judicial supremacists to drag us all one more step into a darkness where the light of human compassion is gone out and the predatory survival of the fittest prevails over humanity."