U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, District 21 | Ballotpedia
U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, District 21 | Ballotpedia
On September 10, 2024, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik questioned former Governor Andrew Cuomo regarding his role in the deaths of over 15,000 New York seniors due to a nursing home executive order during the pandemic. This interaction took place at a House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic hearing.
Stefanik opened her questioning by stating, "Today is long overdue. And just as a reminder for the public tuning in, we are here today on behalf of the over 15,000 vulnerable seniors in nursing homes who died because of Governor Cuomo’s fatal executive order on March 25th damning them to this horrible fate." She emphasized that these individuals included constituents from every congressional district in New York State and acknowledged the families and advocates who have been working tirelessly amidst their grief.
The congresswoman highlighted findings from an investigation which she claimed revealed that Cuomo and his senior aides were responsible for ordering and executing the controversial directive contrary to CMS and CDC guidance. Stefanik stated, "Our investigation also reveals a bipartisan investigation that the disgraced former Governor and his top aides were caught covering up their culpability and guilt to selfishly save their shredded reputations."
During her questioning, Stefanik asked Cuomo about Dr. Zucker's role as Commissioner of Health during the crisis. Cuomo confirmed Zucker's position but was unaware of certain testimonies given by Zucker regarding the Greater New York Hospital Association's involvement.
Stefanik further alleged that another staffer testified about receiving sign-off from the Executive Chamber for the March 25th order. When confronted with these allegations, Cuomo denied knowledge of such testimony.
The exchange grew more contentious as Stefanik accused Cuomo of changing methodologies to undercount COVID-19-related nursing home deaths. She pressed him about negotiating a book deal while these deaths occurred, asking directly about his negotiation timeline. Cuomo refuted her claims, asserting inaccuracies in her statements.
Stefanik concluded by demanding accountability from Cuomo: "You're throwing your staff under the bus. You are culpable for this... Will you do it?" To which Cuomo responded by shifting focus onto broader pandemic management issues at a national level.
The hearing ended with Stefanik reiterating her stance on accountability and condemning Cuomo's actions during his tenure as governor.
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