Crist disputes claims that military halted flights for Haitian earthquake victims

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) this weekend fired back at reports that the U.S. military had stopped flying critically ill Haitian earthquake victims to his state.

While The New York Times and other media outlets reported this weekend military leaders had suspended those flights last week, Crist told ABC's "Good Morning America Weekend" that it was his "understanding" that those transports actually continued.

The governor later added he did not have "authority to stop military flights, nor would we want to," even if the news were true.

"So, it's all hands on deck here in the Sunshine State," Crist continued. "We're welcoming Haitians with open arms and probably done more than any other state and happy to continue to do so."

Fueling confusion this weekend seems to be a letter Crist wrote to the Department of Health and Human Services last Wednesday. In it, he asked Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to activate the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) -- a program that would distribute "medically ill patients to other states and ensure states are appropriately reimbursed for their services," he explained in the letter.

Crist at the time stressed the NDMS declaration was essential, given the immense financial pressure the Haitian relief had imposed on his state. He later told ABC that Florida has so far shouldered about $7.1 million of the relief burden, and that hospitals were slowly nearing their capacity.

It is unclear whether Sebelius activated that system, though Crist's comments on Saturday seemed to suggest she had. Still, a spokesperson for U.S. Transportation Command ultimately confirmed to CNN on Sunday that flights were nevertheless halted, as "some states are unwilling to allow entry for Haitian nationals for critical care."

The spokesperson did not say, however, which states declined to host and care for victims. Calls and e-mails to HHS and a number of Florida lawmakers were not returned this weekend.

Still, Crist stressed this weekend that flights to his state continued, despite reports otherwise. He told ABC that his letter was likely "misinterpreted," again emphasizing Florida was willing to accept incoming Haitian patients.

The Florida governor later said he was working closely with the White House and HHS to clarify the unfolding situation.

"We're bearing that," Crist said of the financial burden of managing part of the Haitian recovery effort. "We're happy to do so."

"We will continue to accept Haitians and the repatriations," the governor added. "The Floridians are a compassionate people, and our arms are open all the time."

---