Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has been subpoenaed by the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic to address his administration's handling of nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. This subpoena comes as part of a broader investigation into the state's policies that allegedly led to thousands of deaths among nursing home residents.
The controversy centers around a March 2020 directive that required nursing homes to admit COVID-positive patients, a move critics say caused widespread fatalities. Approximately 15,000 nursing home residents died during the pandemic, and Cuomo's administration has been accused of underreporting these numbers. The House panel, led by Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio), aims to hold Cuomo accountable for these decisions and the subsequent alleged cover-up.
Former NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) defends his handling of nursing homes as he arrives for an interview before a House GOP committee probing his COVID-19 response:
“New York performed very well, given the circumstances. … That's what the facts show. Forget the political spin.” pic.twitter.com/UjpocACtN8
— The Recount (@therecount) June 11, 2024
Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 amid separate allegations of sexual harassment, has maintained that his administration's actions were in line with the guidance available at the time. His spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, has criticized the subpoena as a politically motivated attack, accusing House Republicans of exploiting the tragedy for political gain.
The investigation into Cuomo's COVID-19 response is part of a larger effort to scrutinize the actions of public officials during the pandemic. The House subcommittee has also sought information from former state Health Commissioner Howard Zucker and Cuomo's top aide, Melissa DeRosa, as they piece together the decision-making process behind the nursing home directive.
Andrew Cuomo Subpoenaed In GOP-Led Probe Of Nursing Home COVID Deathshttps://t.co/hDNXQKCG0u pic.twitter.com/lCLdesiNbN
— TifaniesweTs (@TifaniesweTs) March 7, 2024
Cuomo's legal team has expressed willingness to cooperate, proposing a voluntary interview before the subpoena was issued. However, the House panel moved forward with the subpoena to ensure Cuomo's testimony on the matter. This move underscores the seriousness with which the committee views the issue and its commitment to uncovering the full scope of the decisions made during the pandemic.
The former governor's handling of the COVID-19 crisis in nursing homes has been a focal point of criticism, with opponents arguing that his policies directly led to preventable deaths. Supporters, however, argue that Cuomo was navigating an unprecedented public health crisis and made decisions based on the information and resources available at the time.
This investigation adds to Cuomo's legal challenges, as he also faces a lawsuit related to allegations of sexual harassment from a former State Police officer. Despite these issues, Cuomo remains a significant figure in New York politics, with some speculation about his potential future political ambitions.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus will be on the testimonies and evidence presented to the House subcommittee. The outcome could have significant implications for Cuomo and other officials who managed the pandemic response, shaping the narrative of accountability and governance during one of the most challenging periods in recent history.
