mr. speaker , we come here with a heavy heart . 
i urge the members of this house to do our duty to pass the schiavo act . 
its purpose is simple -- to allow the federal courts to review this matter in the light of terri 's constitutional rights . 
that 's not a lot to ask . 
over the last few days , members of both parties and chambers have worked tirelessly to reach this agreement . 
we hope that these efforts will help give terri schiavo new hope and a new chance at life . 
we have heard very moving accounts of people close to terri that she is indeed , very much alive . 
she laughs , she cries and she smiles with those around her . 
she is aware of her surroundings and is responsive to them . 
this is a woman who deserves a chance at life and not a death sentence of starvation and dehydration . 
it is our hope that this bill will give terri a new hope of life . 
it takes her case out of the florida court system and puts it in the hands of the federal court . 
there , her case will be tried anew where the judge can reevaluate and reassess terri 's medical condition . 
oddly enough , on this very day last year , the pope addressed a group of participants in an international congress on life-sustaining treatments . 
the pope said a human being 's value and personal dignity do not change no matter what his or her circumstances . 
and i quote : a man , even if seriously ill or disabled in the exercise of his highest functions , is and always will be a man , and he will never become a `` vegetable '' or an `` animal. '' i urge every member of this people 's house to carry these words in their hearts as we vote . 
today , we have the opportunity to give a woman another chance to live . 
it is our turn to fulfill the promises etched in the declaration of independence to make life more perfect for the pursuit of life . 
i want to thank my colleagues leader delay , majority whip blunt , representative oberstar , chairman sensenbrenner and dr . 
weldon for helping us to get this life saving bill together . 
i want the schindler family to know that no matter what happens , our hearts and prayers will continue to be with you . 
