Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo faced tough questions from House GOP lawmakers on Tuesday regarding his handling of COVID-19 in nursing homes during the height of the pandemic. Cuomo visited Capitol Hill for a closed-door interview with the House select subcommittee investigating the coronavirus pandemic.
Lawmakers focused on a March 25, 2020, executive order by Cuomo that restricted nursing homes from refusing to admit or readmit residents based on confirmed or suspected COVID-19 diagnoses. A report released in March 2022 found that Cuomo’s Health Department understated the number of deaths at nursing homes by as much as 50% during some points of the pandemic.
Cuomo defended his actions, stating that New York was number 39 in terms of pro rata nursing home deaths despite being ground zero for COVID. He accused the Trump administration of targeting democratic states despite issuing the same guidelines to both red and blue states.
GOP lawmakers criticized Cuomo for deflecting blame and not taking responsibility for the consequences of his decisions. They accused him of putting vulnerable populations at risk and covering up the true death toll for political purposes.
Cuomo, in turn, blamed the federal government for the severity of the pandemic, stating that they failed the nation in their response. A spokesman for Cuomo defended his actions, stating that New York worked tirelessly to protect its residents despite challenges such as PPE shortages and a lack of national response.
The deposition was seen as a step towards delivering accountability and answers to families who lost loved ones during the pandemic. Cuomo was subpoenaed in March to appear before the committee, with his testimony seen as vital to the investigation into federal guidance and regulations regarding the protection of nursing home residents during the pandemic.
