Congressman Cole Votes for Legislation to Save Schiavo's Life

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole voted for legislation that would authorize the removal of cases in state court to the U.S. federal court to defend the rights of incapacitated persons under the U.S. Constitution or any U.S. law. The Protection of Incapacitated Persons Act of 2005 (H.R. 1332) passed in the House late yesterday evening by voice vote.

"This legislation is important to protect those that don't have the voice to protect themselves. It is senseless for the federal court to consider her case without also taking into consideration the findings of the state court. I am pleased that the House was able to move in an expedient manner and I hope we will be able to send this to the President in time to save Terri Schiavo's life," Congressman Cole said.

This legislation was introduced to protect Terri Schiavo from starving to death by allowing her to have a federal court consider her case anew, unrestricted by the findings of state court. The Florida courts are set to determine that Ms. Schiavo will have her feeding tube removed tomorrow.

Congressman Cole was a co-sponsor of the original legislation and fully supports the legislation introduced by James Sensenbrenner, Jr. (WI-05) and Rep. Dave Weldon (FL-15.) that was moved through the House yesterday.

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