News

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), the chairman of the Senate western hemisphere subcommittee, today issued the following statement after speaking with American Red Cross President Gail McGovern:

“On the morning of June 12, the American Red Cross in Florida began the day with a major shortage of blood, but moments after news spread of the horrific attack in Orlando, Floridians across the state stepped forward to ensure that their friends, family and neighbors who were fighting for their lives would have the blood they desperately needed. Since then, Floridians have continued to answer the call, and we’ve seen an increase in blood donations throughout Florida – a positive development for emergency preparedness, but also a source of pride for our entire state that shows the true heart of our people.

“During my conversation with the American Red Cross president, I also took the opportunity to address concerns that have been raised about their programs in Haiti. For several decades, much has been invested in Haiti’s future by American taxpayers, non-governmental organizations and many others, only to see good deeds and lots of money squandered, stolen or fail to deliver results for the Haitian people. I know the political turmoil there in Haiti is an ongoing cause for concern, but I expressed to the president my desire to see the American Red Cross immediately address the problems that are plaguing its programs in Haiti.”