Rep. Waxman released the following statement on the Government Reform Committee's issuance
of subpoenas in the matter of Terri Schiavo of Florida:
|
Statement of Rep. Henry A. Waxman
March 18, 2005
These subpoenas are a flagrant abuse of power. Congress
is turning the Schiavo family's personal tragedy into a national
political farce. The committee has no business inserting itself
in the middle of an excruciating private family matter.
These subpoenas are unenforceable. A committee subpoena must be
used to gather information. But these subpoenas are dictating the
medical care that Ms. Schiavo receives. Congress has no authority
to use subpoenas to tell doctors what treatment they can and cannot
provide to any individual under their care.
These subpoenas were issued unilaterally by Tom Davis, acting at
the request of the Republican leadership. There was no vote and
no opportunity to debate the issue in committee. The process was
a perversion of democracy.
|
|
Rep. Waxman's Statement (78 KB)
