Gilman pleased with Red Cross decision

WASHINGTON — After blasting them last week, Rep. Benjamin A. Gilman (20th District - NY) was encouraged by the Red Cross’ announcement to make changes to its Liberty Disaster Fund to increase support for the victims of the September 11 attacks.

“It is gratifying that the Red Cross is now taking the necessary steps to ensure that the funds the American people donated to the victims of September 11 is received by those victims and their families,” Gilman said in a statement. “Moreover, I am encouraged by the steps they have taken to improve coordination and cooperation with other charities and the public auditing of the Liberty Fund.”

In response to concerns raised by victims of the September 11th attacks, Gilman authored H.R. 3192, the Disaster Relief Charities Accountability Act, which establishes a five-member board to act as a clearinghouse of information on credible victim relief funds, and will provide accountability for the victims of domestic disasters.