UPDATE: Troubling Legislative Developments on Capitol Hill and in Florida

I am extremely disappointed that legislative efforts to save Terri Schiavo have hit a snag on both the federal and state level.  In Florida, the state Senate rejected a bill designed to save Terri after the state House approved a different measure earlier in the day.  The state Senate could consider the House bill Friday, but Sen. Dan Webster, who has been leading the charge in the Senate, says the House version has little support.  In Florida, a legislative remedy appears out of reach.

At the same time, on Capitol Hill, the U.S. Senate late today passed a measure in support of Terri after the House of Representatives approved a different measure last night.  The problem in Congress is there are significant differences between the two pieces of legislation and that has resulted in legislative stalemate.

President Bush reacted to Terri's situation with this statement:  "The case of Terri Schiavo raises complex issues," he said. "Yet in instances like this one, where there are serious questions and substantial doubts, our society, our laws and our courts should have a presumption in favor of life.  Those who live at the mercy of others deserve our special care and concern."

A Florida court order calls for removal of Terri's feeding tube tomorrow at 1:00pm ET.  The move will result in a slow and painful death by starvation and dehydration.  I ask you tonight to continue to pray for Terri and her family.  We will have the latest developments tomorrow on my radio broadcast.