Republican Leader Tom DeLay apologizes for judiciary remarks, then asks for new investigation of Schiavo Judges

 House Majority Leader Tom DeLay apologized Wednesday for saying federal judges are "responsible" for the death of Terri Schiavo and reiterated his belief in the importance of an independent judiciary. DeLay has nonetheless asked the House Judiciary Committee to investigate the judges who declined to order Schiavo's feeding tube be reinserted for and indicated the committee could recommend impeachment for judges involved in the case. DeLay did not say whether the Supreme Court should be part of the inquiry. Democrats say the request violates the separation of powers, abandons the principles of limits to govermental powers, and could set a dangerous precedent which allows Congress to investigate judges with which it does not agree. No timetable has been set for the investigation. more.

DELAY CALLS REQUEST FOR APOLOGY IGNORANT: On April 1, Sen. Frank Lautenberg sent Tom DeLay a letter. Lautenberg told DeLay, "your attempt to intimidate judges in America not only threatens our courts, but our fundamental democracy as well.... You owe them – and all Americans – an apology for your reckless statements." Yesterday, DeLay tried to explain away his remarks by noting he was "passionate, particularly the moment and the day that Terri Schiavo was starved to death." But six days after his initial remarks, DeLay responded to Lautenberg and refused to back down, instead taking the opportunity to attack Lautenberg. DeLay said that any criticism of his remarks "reveals either ignorance or contempt for the framework of checks and balances that make our constitutional republic possible." DeLay added that "nothing in my statement was threatening, irresponsible, dangerous, inappropriate, intimidating, or reckless.… No sincere interpretation of my statement could lead a reader to any other conclusion." [more]