Right, Peterson thought he was hot stuff and better looking than Schiavo, but MRS proved the smarter villain in the end.
Congress May Try to Intercede in Schiavo Case
By Jesse J. Holland Associated Press Writer
Published: Mar 16, 2005
WASHINGTON (AP) - Republicans may try to pass legislation this week moving the final decision over Terri Schiavo's life to federal court, a move they hope will delay the removal of her feeding tube on Friday.
House Judiciary chairman James Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., and Dave Weldon, R-Fla., introduced a bill Wednesday that would allow Schiavo's parents to ask a federal judge to hear her case after the state appeals process is completed.
That judge would be limited to deciding whether withholding or withdrawing food, fluids or medical treatment from an incapacitated person violates the Constitution or U.S. law, according the legislation.
The measure is expected to be before the full House for approval by Thursday.
Senate Republicans are expected to introduce identical legislation or take up the House bill. However, it is unlikely that Democrats would allow the legislation to pass the Senate without debate or committee action.
Congress is set to start its Easter recess Friday.
The legislation is separate from an earlier bill introduced by Weldon and GOP Sen. Mel Martinez of Florida that would have full access to specific cases of disabled people who have not left a written directive and whose families are at odds over whether to withdraw a feeding tube.
Bills have also been introduced in the Florida Legislature attempting to block the removal, but it is unclear if they can be reconciled and passed before Friday.
Federal judges have twice turned down the efforts of Terri Schiavo's parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, to move the case out of state courts, citing a lack of jurisdiction.
Terri Schiavo, 41, suffered severe brain damage in 1990 when her heart stopped temporarily, and court-appointed doctors say she is in a persistent vegetative state. Her husband says she told him she would not want to be kept alive artificially. Her parents dispute that, and say she could get better with the proper treatment.
Late last month, Circuit Judge George Greer granted Michael Schiavo permission to remove the feeding tube. A state appellate court upheld that ruling Wednesday. If the tube is pulled, it could take a week or two for Terri Schiavo to die.
AP-ES-03-16-05 1741EST