They, with the federal courts, are the federal government.
The reason their efforts went nowhere is they did nothing when a low-level judge, George Greer, thumbed his nose at them all. The courts were instructed by the Congress that the SHALL review Terri's case, de novo. Tom Delay said, prior to the passage of the legislation, that anyone disobeying it would be held in contempt of Congress.
Amazingly, those were empty words. They held no one in contempt, even for blatantly ignoring congressional subpoenas.
Remember that, next time Congress subpoenas you. You apparently don't have to show up.
Good point
The flag at the McDonald's a block from the hospice is flying at half-staff in memory of Terri.