Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo found himself under intense scrutiny on Tuesday as he testified before a congressional select committee investigating the handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Lawmakers, particularly Republican members, pressed Cuomo regarding his controversial policies implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, which they argued led to a tragic spike in deaths within nursing homes across New York state.
The focus of the hearing centered around a March 25, 2020, advisory issued by the New York State Department of Health under Cuomo’s leadership. The directive, prohibiting nursing homes from requiring COVID-19 testing for hospitalized residents before admission or readmission, remains a point of contention.
Rep. Elise Stefanik, a Republican from New York, was particularly critical of Cuomo, demanding an apology to families who lost loved ones during the pandemic. Stefanik argued that Cuomo and his administration implemented the policy despite conflicting guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She directly addressed Cuomo, stating, “You are culpable for this. There are families sitting here. I want you to turn around, look them in the eye, and apologize, which you have failed to do. How do you do it?”
Cuomo, however, maintained that the advisory was in compliance with federal guidelines and ultimately left the decision to admit COVID-positive patients to the nursing homes themselves. He also refuted claims of not engaging with federal agencies, stating that he had no communication with CMS or CDC before or after the advisory was issued.
Despite Cuomo’s defense, Republican members remained unconvinced, highlighting the significant number of COVID-related deaths that occurred in New York nursing homes. A 2023 report from the NYS Department of Health attributed 826 deaths to COVID-19 in Suffolk County, 813 in Erie County, and 623 in Queens County.
Cuomo, in turn, attempted to deflect responsibility, blaming former President Donald Trump and claiming that the investigation is an attempt to shift blame onto New York and other states for the federal government’s handling of the pandemic.
However, the committee chairman, Rep. Brad Wenstrup, expressed skepticism toward Cuomo’s attempts to shift blame, stating, “It appears there’s to be no soul-searching from you, governor. I’m sorry. No self-critique of what could have been done better and improved upon. Just doubling down, blaming others.”
The hearing ultimately left many with unanswered questions and raised concerns about accountability and transparency in the handling of the pandemic. It remains to be seen whether the committee’s investigation will bring closure to families who lost loved ones during this tumultuous period.
