TL/DR –
The House subcommittee investigating the US response to the coronavirus pandemic subpoenaed former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo about his administration’s handling of nursing homes during the pandemic. The subcommittee is specifically focused on a controversial directive from Cuomo’s administration that instructed nursing homes to admit recovering COVID-positive patients from hospitals. A letter from the Republican-led subcommittee, which subpoenaed Cuomo, linked his “misguided decision” to increased deaths in nursing homes and alleged his administration downplayed or covered up the impacts.
Former New York Governor Cuomo Subpoenaed Over COVID-19’s Impact on Nursing Homes
The House subcommittee investigating America’s response to COVID-19 has subpoenaed former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo over his administration’s handling of nursing homes during the pandemic, ABC News reports.
The House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic wants to question Cuomo about his controversial COVID-era orders. Specifically, they’ll look into his directive for nursing homes to accept recovering COVID-positive hospital patients, a move critics link to increased nursing home deaths.
Previously, Cuomo faced investigations into his response to the pandemic, including a federal probe into his coronavirus task force and their work with nursing homes.
“Attached to this letter please find a subpoena for you to appear for a deposition,” states the subpoena, signed by Republican Rep. James Comer, the chairman of the Oversight Committee.
In response, Cuomo’s spokesperson called the subpoena a “press charade” and a political play. “New York followed the guidance put forth by the Trump administration in March of 2020 — as did other Democratic and Republican states. If they have a problem with that, they should look in the mirror. Congress knows this, but it’s not about the facts, this is about politics,” the statement said.
The committee, chaired by Republican Rep. Brad Wenstrup, expressed in its letter the critical need for Cuomo’s testimony as the panel continues its investigation into federal guidelines during the pandemic.
Moreover, the committee linked Cuomo’s “misguided decision” to “deadly consequences” in nursing homes, accusing his administration of downplaying impacts and covering them up.
A New York State Department of Health report assessing the directive’s effects found it “could not be the driver” of cases or deaths in nursing homes. However, an impeachment investigation into Cuomo later revealed that the report had been “substantially revised by the Executive Chamber” allegedly to counter criticisms.
Cuomo has also been charged with underreporting the number of COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes. A report by New York State Attorney General Letitia James found COVID deaths in the state to have been “undercounted” by as much as 50%.
The committee claims its subpoena follows months of trying to schedule a voluntary interview with Cuomo. They accuse him of attempting to “delay and undermine our investigation.”
Cuomo’s attorney argues she had already provided multiple dates for an August interview and calls the subpoena unnecessary.
The House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic was established in 2020.
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