The DeGette Report

Statement

The DeGette Report

Dear Friends,

Today, yet another federal court declined an appeal in the Terri Schiavo case following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision yesterday not to appeal the matter. These rulings appear to put an end to Congress's misguided efforts to interfere in this tragic situation. That effort set an extremely dangerous precedent that could result in Congressional interference in any court decision in which the Republican leadership did not like the outcome.

An independent judiciary is critical to protecting our civil liberties and freedoms as Americans. Among its roles is to guard against government abuse of power and efforts by overzealous politicians to restrict our constitutional rights. The courts, however, can only serve as our guardian if they are free from interference.

Republicans have long been unhappy that judges take their role as part of an independent branch of government seriously. They have waged a public campaign against members of the judiciary who disagree with their ideology. Attempting to overrule the Florida courts system is an unfortunate escalation of this effort.

Terri Schiavo's situation is heartbreaking. Life and death decisions like the one the Schiavos face are intensely personal and should be left to the family, their doctors and their clergy.

As important, Congress must respect the independence of the courts. The Republican Congressional leadership's effort to intervene in the Schiavo case sets a dangerous precedent. I opposed it and I will continue to fight to protect the courts' role as a separate and equal branch of government.

Warmest Regards,

Diana

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