Cuomo Grilled on Pandemic Handling in Closed-Door Interview

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is facing questions from a House subcommittee investigating the coronavirus pandemic, specifically regarding his handling of nursing homes during the crisis.

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is testifying behind closed doors on Tuesday before a House select subcommittee investigating the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on nursing homes. Cuomo's handling of the pandemic has been under scrutiny for years, particularly a March 25, 2020, executive order that restricted nursing homes from refusing to admit or readmit residents "solely based on confirmed or suspect[ed] diagnosis of COVID-19."

The House select subcommittee, led by Republican Representative Brad Wenstrup of Ohio, is seeking to uncover the circumstances that led to the issuance of the executive order and its subsequent impact on nursing home residents. Wenstrup has expressed concerns about Cuomo's decisions and actions during the pandemic, including his decision to write a book and his delay in rescinding the executive order.

Committee investigators are expected to question Cuomo about the rationale behind the executive order and its potential consequences. They are also likely to inquire about Cuomo's reliance on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Cuomo and his former aide, Melissa DeRosa, have previously defended their handling of the pandemic, arguing that they were following guidance from the Trump administration. However, Wenstrup has expressed skepticism about this explanation, stating that his research does not support Cuomo's claims.

The committee subpoenaed Cuomo in March to appear before them, accusing him of dodging their attempts to interview him. Cuomo's lawyer, Rita Glavin, has disputed this claim, stating that Cuomo has been cooperative and has offered to sit for an interview.

In March 2022, a report released by the New York State comptroller found that Cuomo's Health Department was not transparent in its reporting of COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes and understated the number of deaths by as much as 50% at some points during the pandemic.

The House select subcommittee's investigation is part of a broader effort to examine the federal government's response to the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on nursing homes. The investigation is expected to inform legislation aimed at enhancing the federal scientific guidance process.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Glavin for follow-up comment on Cuomo's Tuesday interview. The outcome of the interview and the subcommittee's findings will likely be closely scrutinized and debated in the coming weeks and months.