Statement by Congressman Ruppersberger On the Schiavo Legislation

(Washington, D.C.)-  The House physician diagnosed Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger with pneumonia on Friday, March 18th, 2005. The Congressman has been recuperating at his home with his wife all weekend and was unable to make the trip to Washington, DC, to vote on the Schiavo legislation late last night.

The Congressman released the following statement:

"If I had been well enough to make the trip to Washington, DC, to vote on the legislation involving the Terri Schiavo case, I would have voted against the legislation. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Schiavo and Schindler families who are dealing with a very difficult situation over the future of Terri Schiavo. I do not feel this is an issue for the federal court system. I feel this is an issue that should be left up to the state courts that already handle most family issues. As a former County Executive, County Councilman, and former prosecutor, I have a profound respect for states' rights," said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger.

The Congressman's physician has advised him to stay home for the remainder of the week to continue recuperating.

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