Andrew Cuomo Testifies Before Congressional COVID Panel

Former New York Democrat Gov. Andrew Cuomo is set to testify before a House select committee on Tuesday to address concerns about the high number of nursing home deaths in the state during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The GOP-led House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic will conduct the questioning of Cuomo behind closed doors. This transcribed testimony will mark the first official interview of the former governor by congressional investigators, as reported by the New York Post.

One of the main topics of discussion will be Cuomo’s directive for New York nursing homes to accept COVID-positive patients. Lawmakers are also expected to inquire about Cuomo’s decision to write a $5 million profit-making book on his COVID-19 response during the pandemic.

“He’ll be arrogant, he’ll be his usual arrogant and smug self,” Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., told Politico. “A tough New Yorker — that’s what you can expect from him.

Testifying before the committee will serve as a reminder to New Yorkers of Cuomo’s decisions that led to the destruction of livelihoods and businesses, increased anxiety and emotional health issues among youth, and resulted in the death of thousands of senior citizens in nursing homes.

The subcommittee has already heard from relatives of New York nursing home residents who died during the pandemic, according to the Post.

Cuomo resigned from office in August 2021 following allegations of sexual harassment. Evidence from his impeachment inquiry revealed that the number of nursing home deaths in a New York State Department of Health report had been altered by his office.

Despite claims of political motivation, Cuomo’s team maintains that the former governor’s actions were consistent with federal guidance at the time.

The House panel recently received a detailed timeline from Peter Arbeeny, whose father, Norman, died from COVID after being discharged from a Brooklyn nursing home. The 121-page document, available on the wecarewall.com website, alleges that Cuomo’s decisions and alleged cover-ups contributed to COVID-related deaths in nursing homes.