House Republicans Subpoena New York Over Cuomo Nursing Home Death Scandal

House Republicans Subpoena New York Over Cuomo Nursing Home Death Scandal

The House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic has issued a subpoena to New York Governor Kathy Hochul for documents related to the controversial nursing home policy implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic under former Governor Andrew Cuomo.

The subpoena comes after months of frustration from the subcommittee, which has accused the Hochul administration of being uncooperative and withholding crucial information.

Cuomo's Testimony and the March 25, 2020 Directive

The subpoena was announced following Cuomo's first public congressional testimony on the scandal. Cuomo has consistently denied any involvement in the March 25, 2020, directive that mandated nursing homes to readmit COVID-19 patients, despite testimony from his own staff and the New York State Department of Health confirming his awareness of the policy.

The subcommittee alleges that the policy led to the admission of approximately 9,000 COVID-19-positive seniors into nursing homes, resulting in an estimated 15,000 COVID-19 deaths.

Lack of Transparency and Withheld Documents

The subcommittee claims that the Hochul administration has failed to provide complete and unredacted documents, despite multiple requests. Specifically, the chamber has withheld mobile communications between Cuomo and his staff, as well as information regarding the development and implementation of the policy.

Rep. Brad Wenstrup, the subcommittee chair, expressed his disappointment with the lack of transparency and emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, "The buck stops with you."

The subpoena requires a response from the Hochul administration by September 24th. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for the future of nursing home policies and the accountability of government officials during public health emergencies.