"It seems to me that we are at a point where we have no choice other than to ensure these parents, who are desperately seeking an opportunity to care for their daughter, have a chance to be heard in federal court," Republican Rep. David Dreier of California said, referring to Mary and Bob Schindler, Schiavo's parents.
The legislation -- which must be voted on by the House and the Senate -- would allow Schiavo's parents, who have been waging their legal battles in state court, to take their case to a federal court in Florida.
There is no language ordering that the tube be reinserted, because Congress has no authority to do that.
There are those in Congress who would like to prevent Congress from intervening.
The Senate met briefly Saturday for a procedural move and will reconvene Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m., about one hour after the House begins meeting.
However, because most House Democrats object to intervening in the Schiavo matter, few are likely to show up for Sunday's special House session to vote, a House Democratic leadership aide said Saturday.
Only one Democrat is needed to object when Republicans try to pass the bill by unanimous consent. Therefore, Republican leaders plan to call lawmakers back at midnight -- the first moment parliamentary rules allow them to act on the legislation -- and pass it with mostly GOP votes, the aide said.
Many Democrats believe Congress is "meddling in a private matter" and is "overreaching" its authority by acting on the bill, the aide said.
Here they go again, I wonder if that old fool Byrd may show up to filibuster?
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