Congressman Salazar Responds to Emergency Vote on Terri Schiavo Bill

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John T. Salazar (CO-3) made the following comments today on the current debate on S. 686, the Terri Schiavo bill.

“My heart goes out to the family of Terri Schiavo. No one – spouse or parents – should have to make life or death decisions about loved ones. When those choices have to be made, they rest between an individual, the family, doctors, and God.

“As a Member of Congress, it is not my place to put my personal choice above the judgment of the multiple state courts that have already considered this case. This is an extremely personal, family matter. It is wrong for Congress to interfere in personal decisions and to supersede the due process of the courts.”

Due to the last minute nature of the session, with Democratic Members of Congress receiving less than 12 hours notice of a formal vote, Salazar was unable to make arrangements to travel from rural Colorado to Washington, D.C. in time to make the vote. Once the House returns to regular session, Salazar will submit a statement into the Congressional Record as allowed under the rules.