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Floor Statements

Floor Statement on S. 686, For the Relief of the Parents of Theresa Marie Schiavo

Mr. Speaker, I did indeed say that there can be Federal court review of due process, obviously. That has happened here. And the Federal court said, ``Not only has Ms. Schiavo's case been given due process in State court, but few if any similar cases have ever been afforded this heightened level of process.''


The difference in this bill is not that it is a review of State court, but it orders a de novo proceeding to ignore everything that happened in State court as if the State courts did not exist. That is unprecedented, that is contemptuous, that is different; and that should not be done.


She got the appellate review already. The appellate courts and Federal court did not agree with the distinguished chairman. That is not an indication for a new bill.

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