Long-term effects from the COVID-19 pandemic haven’t gone away when it comes to politics. Republicans have opened the door to investigating government actions related to the pandemic.
Millions of people were affected by the pandemic in the United States with deaths affecting almost everyone in the nation to some degree. Segments of society, including the sick and elderly, were hit hardest by the disease.
Republicans are seeking answers related to deaths of elderly people. They are focused on one former governor and his pandemic policies that some allege caused the deaths of older people.
The U.S. House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic subpoenaed former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to testify about his handling of nursing homes through an official order during the COVID pandemic, according to a statement from the Congressional body.
From The Daily Wire:
“This order recklessly exposed New York’s most vulnerable population to COVID-19 with deadly consequences,” the statement said. “Evidence also suggests that former Governor Cuomo engaged in a coverup to hide the true New York nursing home mortality rate from the public and shift political blame away from his administration.”
The focus is on a mandate Cuomo issued in March of 2020 that forced New York nursing homes and long-term care facilities to admit or re-admit potentially contagious and untested COVID-19 patients. Reports indicate that more than 15,000 people died in New York nursing homes and long-term care facilities during Cuomo’s administration.
Chairman Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) said Cuomo “owes answers to the 15,000 families who lost loved ones in New York nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Wenstrup said Cuomo’s testimony is crucial for making sure fatal mistakes are avoided in the future and that Cuomo must “stop dodging accountability to Congress.”
In response to the subpoena, Cuomo’s legal team claimed he has been cooperative with the subcommittee and has made know his willingness to sit down for a transcribed interview. His attorney asked that the subpoena not be issued.
The subcommittee rebutted Cuomo’s position, stating he has not responded to requests to meet regarding the inquiry. The subcommittee stated that Cuomo has “repeatedly and unjustifiably delayed” the investigation into his actions for nine months after the initial interview request.
The pandemic caused devastating effects to people who lost loved ones and any investigation that can reveal the truth about loved ones lost in nursing homes should be supported. Cuomo, a Democrat who resigned from office in 2021 amid a sexual misconduct controversy, needs to come forward with the truth about his actions during his administration.
Key Takeaways:
- A U.S. House panel issued a subpoena to Andrew Cuomo over nursing home deaths.
- The select subcommittee wants answers regarding 15,000 elderly people who died.
- A subcommittee statement said it is time that Cuomo answer for his pandemic policies.
Source: The Daily Wire