Florida senators make statements with their guests for State of the Union

Sen. Rubio bringing Venezuelan exile; Sen. Scott invites Parkland father

Andrew Pollack, who lost his daughter in the Parkland school shooting, said he supports Gov. Rick Scott's plan.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Sen. Marco Rubio is bringing a Venezuelan exile to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address Tuesday, while Sen. Rick Scott is taking the father of a teenager who died in the Parkland school shooting to the speech.

Carlos Vecchio is an attorney who fled President Nicolas Maduro’s government five years ago. He is also one of the founders of the Venezuelan opposition party. 

Recommended Videos



Venezuelan Congress leader Juan Guaido has proclaimed himself interim president.

Rubio’s parents are Cuban immigrants, and some have noted parallels between Venezuela’s socialist government and Cuba's communist government.

 

Scott announced he's bringing Andrew Pollack to the speech. Pollack's daughter, Meadow, was one of 17 people killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School last Valentine's Day.

Scott took office in January after completing his second term as governor. Just before leaving the governor's office, Scott appointed Pollack to Florida's education board.

But when Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis took office, he rescinded dozens of Scott's last-minute appointments, including Pollack's.

Pollack appeared in ads for Scott during his Senate campaign. Pollack has also praised Trump during a White House visit.

 


About the Authors

Ashley Harding joined the Channel 4 news team in March 2013. She reports for and anchors The Morning Show.

Recommended Videos