March 19 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. Congress said it has agreed on legislation that could save the life of Terri Schiavo, a brain- damaged Florida woman whose feeding tube was removed yesterday.

Lawmakers, who will meet tomorrow, said they have bipartisan legislation that would move the matter into the federal courts from state court in Florida, allowing for further legal challenges.

``We think we have found a solution,'' said House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, a Republican, today. ``It is very similar to the bill passed in the Senate Thursday, with some modifications.''

President George W. Bush is ``supportive of efforts of congressional leaders,'' said Jeanie Mamo, a White House spokeswoman. ``He remains in close contact with Congress, and the president is being kept apprised.''

On Thursday, the Senate and the House passed separate bills allowing Schiavo's family to ask federal courts to intervene in the case in an attempt to prevent the removal of the feeding tube. The U.S. Supreme Court, without comment, rejected an appeal by her parents, Bob and Mary Schindler.

Yesterday, state Judge George Greer denied yesterday a request by U.S. House attorneys to delay the removal. The U.S. Supreme Court also refused to order that the feeding and hydration be resumed, rejecting a request by the House Government Affairs Committee.

Schiavo's feeding tube was removed yesterday afternoon. The 41-year-old woman suffered severe brain damage in 1990 when her heart stopped beating because of a chemical imbalance. She has spent most of the past 15 years unable to care for herself.

The House Government Reform Committee issued subpoenas yesterday ordering the Schiavos to appear at a March 25 hearing at The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast in Largo, Florida, where she is residing, along with two of her doctors and the director of the hospice.

The committee also issued a subpoena requiring the hospice to keep Schiavo's life-support equipment in its current operating state until the hearing.

To contact the reporter on this story: John Stebbins in Chicago stebbins@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: March 19, 2005 17:43 EST