Governor Andrew Cuomo testifies before House COVID panel

Former New York Democrat Gov. Andrew Cuomo is set to face a House select committee on Tuesday to address inquiries regarding the high number of nursing home deaths in New York during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The GOP-led House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic will conduct the interview with Cuomo behind closed doors, marking his first official meeting with congressional investigators, the New York Post reported.

The panel will focus on Cuomo’s controversial order for New York nursing homes to admit COVID-positive patients. Additionally, they are likely to question the former governor about his decision to write a $5 million book on his COVID-19 response during the pandemic.

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., anticipates Cuomo’s demeanor during the questioning, stating to Politico, “He’ll be arrogant, he’ll be his usual arrogant and smug self. A tough New Yorker — that’s what you can expect from him.

“Cuomo’s appearance before the committee will serve as a stark reminder of the arbitrary decisions that negatively impacted lives, businesses, and the mental well-being of many during the pandemic, which resulted in the tragic deaths of thousands of senior citizens in nursing homes.”

The House subcommittee has already met with family members of nursing home residents who passed away during the pandemic shutdown.

Cuomo stepped down from office in 2021 following accusations of sexual misconduct. Evidence from his impeachment inquiry revealed that nursing home death data from the New York State Department of Health report was altered by his office.

Cuomo’s team has maintained that the attacks on him are politically motivated.

The former governor is expected to defend his nursing home order as being in line with federal guidance at the time.

The panel recently received a comprehensive timeline from Peter Arbeeny, who lost his father, Norman, to COVID after he was discharged from a Brooklyn nursing home.

The 121-page document on wecarewall.com alleges that Cuomo’s decisions and alleged cover-ups contributed to COVID-related deaths in nursing homes.