"I want to apologize to the organizers of the Women's Convention for not being able to attend your conference next Friday in Detroit," the Vermont lawmaker said in a statement. "Given the emergency situation in Puerto Rico, I will be traveling there to visit with San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz and other officials to determine the best way forward to deal with the devastation the island is experiencing."
In Puerto Rico, about 1 million Americans remain without running water and 3 million without power, CNN reported Wednesday. Sanders concluded his statement by applauding "their historic work in putting together the march in January and all that you have done since," he said. "My best wishes for a very successful conference."
"It is unfortunate that Senator Sanders will no longer be able to join us at the Women's Convention next week," the organizers said in an email "But the humanitarian crisis in Puerto Rico - which is being exacerbated by the inaction of our federal government - is a critical matter. We understand his leadership is needed in Puerto Rico and, as always, we deeply appreciate his commitment to communities in need. We look forward to continuing to work with him on issues that impact women and all Americans."
http://edition.cnn.com/2017/10/19/politics/bernie-sanders-puerto-rico-womens-convention/index.html"The U.S. Congress cannot turn its back on the millions of people in Puerto Rico who, four weeks after the hurricane, are still without electricity, food and running water," he continued.
Various women's groups, as well as female media figures such as actress Debra Messing and MSNBC host Joy Reid questioned the decision to have Sanders deliver the convention's opening speech. "This announcement sends the wrong message to women everywhere," EMILY's List President Stephanie Schriock said in a statement earlier this month, while the Center for American Progress’s Neera Tanden called it “pretty amazing” and said she was unfollowing the organization.
Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) will deliver the opening remarks at the convention in Detroit.
http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/356295-sanders-to-visit-puerto-rico-instead-of-womens-convention
