House Oversight Chairman James Comer has initiated a criminal referral of former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to the Department of Justice (DOJ). Cuomo is accused of providing false statements to Congress regarding the number of COVID-19 deaths in New York nursing homes during the pandemic's peak in 2020. The referral centers on a report meant to offer an independent analysis of fatalities in long-term care facilities, which has since become embroiled in controversy.
In a press release, the Oversight Committee stated that "evidence and witness testimony gathered suggest Mr. Cuomo knowingly and willfully made false statements to the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic on numerous occasions about material aspects of New York’s COVID-19 nursing home disaster and the ensuing cover-up." The criminal referral underscores instances where Cuomo responded "no" upon being asked if he was "involved in the drafting of [the July 6 Report] in any capacity." These denials are in direct contradiction to the evidence collected during their investigation, the committee claims.
The referral suggests that Cuomo's false statements to the Select Subcommittee were part of a "conscious, calculated effort to insulate himself from accountability," implying intentional deception. This development follows a period of intense scrutiny over New York's management of the pandemic in nursing homes. Previous inquiries have indicated that Cuomo, together with his top aides, might have tried to suppress information regarding nursing home death rates at the height of the crisis. Reportedly, his office took steps to silence state health officials and hide the actual death toll from the public and federal authorities.
The Post Millennial cited Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), who was involved in questioning Cuomo, delivering a biting critique of Cuomo's testimony. Wenstrup described it as "shockingly callous" and highlighted Cuomo's deflection of responsibility and lack of remorse for the lives lost.
The referral comes amidst news that Cuomo has initiated legal action against Charlotte Bennett, one of his sexual harassment accusers, threatening a defamation lawsuit. Following Bennett's voluntary dismissal of her federal lawsuit against Cuomo in December, he has taken a legal stance against her and her attorney, Debra Katz. Cuomo's lawyers assert that Bennett made knowingly false and defamatory statements aimed at harming the former governor, referencing a tweet by Bennett that has attracted significant attention.
