Former NY Governor Cuomo to Face Congress Over Controversial COVID-19 Nursing Home Policy

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is scheduled to testify publicly before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic on Tuesday, September 10th. This marks the first time Cuomo will face lawmakers to answer questions about his administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically the controversial decision to mandate the admission of COVID-positive patients into nursing homes. The hearing comes after a seven-hour closed-door deposition in June where Cuomo was scrutinized for his actions during the pandemic, which allegedly led to thousands of nursing home deaths.

Subcommittee Chairman Brad Wenstrup, a Republican from Ohio, stated that Cuomo “owes answers to the 15,000 families” who lost loved ones in New York’s nursing homes. Wenstrup criticized Cuomo for his perceived lack of accountability and transparency during his tenure as governor, especially regarding the nursing home directive issued on March 25, 2020, which forced nursing homes to accept COVID-positive patients. Wenstrup emphasized, “A true leader owns up to his mistakes and takes responsibility for wrongdoing.”

Cuomo, who has consistently defended his administration’s actions, has argued that his decisions were based on the guidance available at the time. In a statement ahead of the testimony, Cuomo said, “The American people deserve the truth, and these partisan political games must stop because this is a matter of life and death.” Cuomo’s defense centers on the assertion that his administration was following federal guidelines, a claim disputed by several lawmakers who argue that the state’s policy was overly broad and not mandated by federal authorities.

The controversy over Cuomo’s COVID-19 response intensified after reports emerged suggesting his administration underreported the number of nursing home deaths. Investigations by New York’s Attorney General and other independent bodies found that the Cuomo administration had significantly underestimated the number of fatalities linked to the policy. This led to accusations that Cuomo sought to downplay the severity of the crisis to maintain his political standing.

Democratic Representative Ami Bera, a member of the subcommittee and a medical doctor, has previously described New York’s directive as “medical malpractice,” adding to the bipartisan scrutiny Cuomo faces. The hearing is expected to delve deeply into the decision-making process behind the policy and its aftermath.

As Cuomo prepares to testify, he faces significant criticism from both sides of the political aisle. While he insists that his actions were in line with the information available at the time, many see this hearing as an opportunity for the former governor to confront his controversial legacy. Lawmakers, especially those who lost loved ones during the pandemic, are eager for accountability. Representative Marc Molinaro, a long-time critic of Cuomo, emphasized, “This is about transparency and justice for the families who suffered due to the state’s mishandling of the crisis.”

The outcome of this testimony could have lasting implications for Cuomo’s political future and for public trust in government accountability during crises.