Tom DeLay calls them as “profile[s] in cowardice” for refusing to support the House bill, at a press conference right now.

Wyden, of course, is from Oregon. I understand from sources that this language was put in the Senate bill specifically to give Wyden cover to support the bill:

SEC. 7. NO EFFECT ON ASSISTING SUICIDE.
Nothing is this Act shall be construed to confer additional jurisdiction on any court to consider any claim related–
(1) to assisting suicide, or
(2) a State law regarding assisting suicide.

The House bill doesn’t have that kinda protection for Oregon, so Wyden is adamant in wanting to block it.