Doolittle: Life Deserves One More Chance

Applauds House Passage of Schiavo Legislation 3/21/05

WASHINGTON, D.C. - House Republican Conference Secretary John T. Doolittle (R-CA) today voted for legislation that authorized federal courts to review the case of Terri Schiavo, a move that could result in the permanent reinsertion of the feeding tube needed to keep the Florida woman alive. 

"Today, the Congress made a clear statement that the protection of human life should be held paramount and always deserves one last chance," said Doolittle.  "I know this vote was difficult for many of my colleagues and for many Americans, but if we are going to err in a situation like this, we should always err on the side of life."

Doolittle said that he was pleased to see that the medical evidence surrounding the case compelled both Republicans and Democrats to support the legislation.

"We must remember that this is not a woman who is on a respirator, but a woman who breathes on her own.  She is not brain dead, but instead has demonstrated the ability to communicate and express joy and discomfort.  For those reasons, I was especially encouraged that members of both parties and from both houses joined together in an effort to save this precious life."       

Doolittle also said that this case should provide an important lesson to all Americans.  "If Terri Schiavo had established an advance directive or living will, none of this controversy would exist.  We would know precisely what she wanted done.  As unfortunate as this tragedy is, it underscores the importance of discussing these issues with our family to make sure one of our loved ones is not placed in a similar circumstance."

U.S. Rep. John T. Doolittle has served in the House of Representatives since 1991.  As Secretary of the House Republican Conference, he is an elected member of the House Republican Leadership.  Doolittle represents California's 4^th Congressional District and serves on the Appropriations Committee, Energy and Water and DC Appropriations Subcommittees, and the House Administration Committee.

4230 Douglas Blvd. Suite 200, Granite Bay, CA 95746 (916) 786-5560

2410 Rayburn HOB, Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-2511