Tom DeLay (R-Texas), Statement on Supreme Court’s Denial of Schiavo Appeal

Statement on Supreme Court’s Denial of Schiavo Appeal

WASHINGTON – House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) today criticized the U.S. Supreme Court’s refusal to explain its decision to deny an appeal that would allow Terri Schiavo to continue receiving food and water. The appeal, which was filed by the general counsel for the U.S. House of Representatives, called for the Supreme Court to modify the order placed by Florida Judge George Greer to remove Schiavo’s feeding tube in order for her to appear as a witness at a House Government Reform Committee hearing on March 25, 2005.

“While I respectfully disagree with the Supreme Court’s decision, the justices’ refusal to offer any explanation or guidance – knowing that Congress is working around the clock to save the life of a defenseless dying woman – is a moral and legal tragedy.

“The Supreme Court owes it to Terri Schiavo and her family – and, frankly, to the dignity of human life – to explain their decision so that Congress can properly focus its continuing work to replace Mrs. Schiavo’s feeding tube.

“When this tragic episode is resolved, the Supreme Court will have some serious questions to answer about its silence and arbitrary interpretation of federalism, but those questions will have to wait for now.

“In the meantime, the fight is not over. We will continue to work with the Senate to negotiate a legislative solution, and we won’t rest until we find one. Mrs. Schiavo’s struggle to live, our fight to save her, and the American people’s prayers will all continue.”

Saturday, March 19, 2005 The Office of the House Majority Leader H-107 The Capitol Washington, DC 20515, p. (202)225-4000 f. (202)225-5117