Wasserman Schultz says DeSantis is also shutting out House Republicans

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) appears to have shut down all communication with the entire Florida congressional delegation, including Republicans, as the COVID-19 virus continues to spread across the state.

Members of Florida’s Democratic Congressional delegation have accused Gov. DeSantis of excluding, shutting them out of any and all Coronavirus outbreak communications.

During a Telepress conference with reporters on Tuesday morning, Reps. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, Ted Deutch, Kathy Castor, Lois Frankel, Donna Shalala, and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, expressed their concerns over DeSantis refusal to communicate with them.

“He has been absolutely unresponsive to the Florida delegation, to the Democratic Florida delegation,” said Rep. Mucarsel-Powell

The freshman congresswoman said that dealing with the DeSantis administration was a “frustrating process” when it came to COVID-19 responses and that DeSantis’ office “has not been very cooperative. “

“We haven’t been able to get clear and straight information,” added Mucarel-Powell

Rep. Wasserman Schultz, arguable the most outspoken critic of DeSantis’ Coronavirus response, said that his “refusal” to “interact” directly, or indirectly with the congressional delegation was nothing more than “childish.”

Wasserman Schultz also accused DeSantis and his administration of “refusing to have calls with either Republicans and Democrats.”

“Apparently they’re refusing to have calls with either the Republicans and Democrats any longer,” said Wasserman Schultz

But in speaking to several members of Florida’s Republican Congressional caucus, that is not the case, as  Gov. DeSantis and his office are communicating with Republican members of Congress.

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R) told The Floridian that he is in constant communication with DeSantis.

 “I speak to the governor or a senior member of his team daily,” said. Rep. Gaetz

Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R) also said he is in close contact with DeSantis, telling The Floridian that he spoke to Chief of Staff Shane Strum Tuesday morning.

“I spoke to his chief this morning, and I received the info I needed,” stated Rep. Bilirakis “If it becomes necessary for me to speak to the Governor personally I’m certain that he would take my call.”

Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart’s office also confirmed that they have “We’ve been in regular and continued contact with the governor’s office as well as other State and Local officials.”