Can the Congressional Subpoenas in Terri Schiavo Case be Enforced?

I was on the phone this morning with Bob Schindler, the father of Terri Schiavo who is now entering her eleventh day without food or hydration.  He asked me to explore whatever legal options remain in keeping his daughter alive.  Of course, we are doing that and I expressed to him that there are many people praying for his daughter and for his family right now.  The Schindlers are a family of deep faith and appreciate the prayers for their daughter and family.

The fact is the legal options are dwindling rapidly.  I am working with our senior team in Washington to determine if the subpoenas issued by Congress to Terri Schiavo and her husband can be enforced.  You may recall when Congress stepped in to pass the federal legislation designed to get the federal court system to review Terri's case, Congress also issued subpoenas to bring Terri, her husband and hospice officials to Washington for a hearing.  It is clear that Congress has the constitutional authority to investigate and to take action to preserve the life of a witness.  As you also know, the Congressional subpoenas were ignored by a Florida court which ordered removal of her feeding tube March 18th.

I am reviewing the applicable law concerning this issue.  I want to encourage you to continue to pray for Terri and her family right now.  That is very important.  They need your prayers.  So do the lawyers who are working on this issue.   I will keep you updated as developments warrant.