Andrew Cuomo Faces Intense Scrutiny Over COVID-19 Nursing Home Policies

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo faced intense scrutiny on Capitol Hill as he testified before a congressional panel investigating his administration's handling of COVID-19 in nursing homes. The hearing, held on June 11, 2024, focused on a controversial directive issued in March 2020 that mandated nursing homes to accept COVID-positive patients, a decision that has been linked to thousands of deaths among vulnerable elderly residents.

Cuomo, who has maintained a defiant stance throughout the inquiry, attributed the nursing home crisis to external factors rather than his administration's policies. "I don’t see a lot of remorse. He is deflecting," remarked a Republican lawmaker after the hearing, highlighting Cuomo's tendency to shift blame. During the questioning, Cuomo reiterated claims from his memoir, which portrays his administration's response to the pandemic in a favorable light, despite the overwhelming evidence suggesting otherwise.

The March 25, 2020, order, which required nursing homes to admit patients recovering from COVID-19, has been a focal point of criticism. Lawmakers pointed out that this directive was issued even when alternative facilities, such as a hospital ship and a makeshift hospital, were available but underutilized. Critics argue that the order not only endangered the lives of nursing home residents but also contributed to a significant underreporting of deaths associated with the virus in these facilities.

Cuomo's testimony revealed a complex interplay of accountability and blame. He acknowledged that the order was a state directive, countering his earlier claims that it was based on federal guidance. "They want to assert that that order is exactly the same as the federal CMS, which it is not," said a Republican lawmaker, emphasizing the unique responsibility of the state in this matter. Cuomo attempted to defend his actions by citing similar policies in other states, suggesting that the issue was not isolated to New York.

The investigation into Cuomo's handling of nursing home deaths has been extensive. A report from the New York Attorney General's office revealed that the Cuomo administration had significantly undercounted nursing home fatalities, initially reporting 8,711 deaths, which was later revised to over 13,000. This discrepancy raised serious questions about transparency and accountability during a time of crisis.

Cuomo's former aide admitted that the administration had withheld data from lawmakers, fearing it could be used against them in ongoing investigations. This admission has fueled calls for accountability, with lawmakers asserting that families of victims deserve answers regarding the decisions that led to the tragic loss of life.

The hearing also touched on Cuomo's lucrative book deal, which reportedly netted him $5 million. Critics have questioned the appropriateness of profiting from a crisis that resulted in widespread suffering and loss. "It was inappropriate to be worried about a book deal," one lawmaker stated, underscoring the ethical implications of Cuomo's actions during the pandemic.

As the hearing concluded, the chairman of the congressional panel vowed to hold Cuomo accountable for the nursing home policies enacted under his leadership. "The victims’ families deserve accountability — not only for the disastrous ‘must-admit’ policies, but for the coverup that ensued," he declared, signaling that the investigation would continue to seek clarity on the decisions made during one of the most challenging periods in recent history.

The fallout from Cuomo's actions during the pandemic has not only impacted his political career but has also raised broader questions about governance and accountability in times of crisis. With over 80,000 New Yorkers having died from COVID-19 since the pandemic began, the implications of these policies continue to resonate deeply within the community, as families seek justice and answers for their losses.