Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is set to testify publicly before Congress next week regarding his controversial nursing home advisory during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. Cuomo, who previously testified behind closed doors in June before the House Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, will now appear before the same panel on September 10.
Rep. Brad Wenstrup, the Ohio Republican who chairs the subcommittee, emphasized the importance of Cuomo providing answers to the families of the 15,000 individuals who lost their lives in New York's nursing homes during the pandemic. Cuomo's spokesperson confirmed his upcoming testimony, stating that the former governor is eager to address the critical question of preventing future Covid-19 related deaths.
The committee highlighted Cuomo's previous interview in June, noting his perceived lack of empathy when discussing the nursing home mortality rate and his tendency to deflect responsibility for the advisory. The panel also conducted interviews with nine former high-ranking officials from Cuomo's administration, with transcripts set to be released before the upcoming hearing.
Investigations by New York Attorney General Letitia James and State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli revealed discrepancies in the reporting of Covid-19 deaths among nursing home residents, indicating an undercounting of fatalities. Cuomo has maintained that his advisory aligned with federal guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the CDC.
Rep. Wenstrup expressed concerns over the March 2020 advisory that prohibited nursing homes from refusing Covid-19 positive patients, citing the risk posed to vulnerable residents. Cuomo, who served as governor for nearly three terms before resigning in August 2021 amidst allegations of sexual harassment, has denied the accusations.
