Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo appeared before a House panel to address concerns regarding the handling of nursing home residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cuomo, who has been defiant about the issue, faced scrutiny over his refusal to take responsibility or offer apologies to affected families.
During the hearing, Cuomo attempted to portray his actions as aligned with federal guidelines and dismissed accusations of wrongdoing. He emphasized that the Department of Justice did not charge him and insisted that his administration followed recommended protocols.
House Republicans on the panel sought clarity on the origins of a March 2020 order that prohibited nursing homes from refusing COVID-positive patients. They also questioned the underreporting of COVID-related deaths and potential links to Cuomo's lucrative book deal.
While Cuomo resigned amid sexual harassment allegations, he has not acknowledged any mishandling of the pandemic response. His spokesperson reiterated that he has not faced legal charges in connection to the matter.
The committee plans to release a transcript of Cuomo's closed-door testimony in the coming weeks, aiming to shed light on the decision-making process and accountability surrounding the nursing home directives.
