Additional Coverage:
- ‘You are culpable’: Stefanik demands Cuomo apologize for COVID nursing home deaths in heated exchange (foxnews.com)
In a heated session on Tuesday, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo faced intense questioning from lawmakers over his administration’s handling of COVID-19 policies for nursing homes. Lawmakers demanded that Cuomo apologize to families who lost loved ones during the pandemic.
Cuomo’s testimony before the House select committee on coronavirus focused on a March 25, 2020, advisory from the New York State Department of Health. Under Cuomo’s leadership, the advisory prohibited nursing homes from requiring hospitalized residents to be tested for COVID-19 before admission or readmission.
Cuomo argued that nursing homes had the final say on whether to admit patients. However, lawmakers claimed the advisory effectively forced nursing homes to accept COVID-positive patients.
Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., was particularly critical, stating, “We now know irrefutably what New Yorkers have known for years: Governor Cuomo himself and his senior aides directed this deadly order.” She urged Cuomo to look affected families in the eye and apologize.
Cuomo acknowledged he did not consult the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) before releasing the advisory, nor did they contact him afterward. He maintained that the advisory complied with federal guidelines.
During the session, Cuomo attributed blame to former President Donald Trump, suggesting that criticism of his policies was part of an effort to deflect from federal failures. This stance was sharply criticized by Republican committee members, who accused Cuomo of being defensive and failing to show remorse.
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, expressed disappointment, saying, “I was hoping we would see a Governor Cuomo that was less defensive and remorseful over what happened in New York. But I see that person has not shown up today.”
Chairman Brad Wenstrup closed the session expressing skepticism about Cuomo’s refusal to take responsibility: “It appears there’s to be no soul-searching from you, governor. Just doubling down, blaming others.”
Numerous deaths in nursing homes during the pandemic continue to be attributed to the controversial policy, with significant counts documented in Suffolk, Erie, and Queens counties.