New York Governor Kathy Hochul faces subpoena over withheld nursing home COVID-19 death documents, as House Committee intensifies its probe into the pandemic’s impact on the elderly.
At a Glance
- House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic subpoenas Gov. Hochul for crucial documents
- Subpoena targets Blackberry messages between state officials and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo
- Committee chairman criticizes Hochul for lack of transparency and delaying the investigation
- Documents could clarify Cuomo’s role in controversial nursing home directives and underreporting of deaths
House Committee Takes Drastic Action Against Gov. Hochul
In a bold move to uncover the truth about New York’s handling of COVID-19 in nursing homes, the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic has issued a subpoena to Governor Kathy Hochul. The committee, led by Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio), is demanding the release of crucial documents that have been withheld, despite repeated requests.
The subpoena specifically targets Blackberry messages exchanged between state officials and then-Governor Andrew Cuomo during the height of the pandemic. These communications could shed light on the decision-making process behind the controversial March 25, 2020 directive, which allowed COVID-positive patients to be admitted to nursing homes.
Transparency in Question as Investigation Stalls
Rep. Wenstrup has publicly criticized Governor Hochul for her administration’s lack of transparency and the delays in providing requested information. The committee notes that Hochul’s office did not produce any documents until February 2024, a full eight months after the initial request was made.
“Although you promised to be ‘fully transparent’ regarding COVID-19 in nursing homes, the Executive Chamber’s decision to withhold responsive documents—without notice to the Select Subcommittee—is anything but transparent, has unjustifiably delayed our investigation, and falls squarely on your shoulders,” said Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio), chairman of the panel, in a letter to Hochul.
Despite receiving nearly 374,000 documents, the subcommittee claims that pertinent information is still missing. This includes a “privilege log” that was likely inappropriately redacted, invoking attorney-client privilege. The subpoena aims to obtain these missing pieces, including BlackBerry PIN messages and text messages that were not turned over.
Unraveling the Nursing Home Death Scandal
The investigation seeks to resolve conflicting testimonies and clarify former Governor Cuomo’s involvement in key decisions. Cuomo has testified that he had no role in drafting a July 6, 2020 report, but this claim is contradicted by statements from Jim Malatras, indicating Cuomo’s direct involvement.
The subpoena also demands documents related to the preparation of the state report on nursing home deaths, as well as emails from McKinsey & Company and Michael Dowling, CEO of Northwell Health. These documents could provide crucial insights into the decision-making process and the subsequent reporting of nursing home fatalities.
The Path Forward
While Governor Hochul’s office has stated they will cooperate with the subpoena and provide the requested records, the committee remains skeptical given the past delays and withholding of information. The subpoena compels the production of all responsive documents in the custody of the Executive Chamber, leaving no room for further evasion.
As the investigation continues, it is clear that the House Select Subcommittee is determined to uncover the full truth about New York’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis in nursing homes. The outcome of this probe could have significant implications for how future health crises are managed and how government officials are held accountable for their decisions during times of emergency.
Sources:
- Cuomo expresses sympathy for Covid-19 victims, criticizes Trump’s pandemic response in contentious hearing
- Andrew Cuomo Faces House Subpoena Over Covid Deaths in Nursing Homes
