(TheLastPatriotNews.com) – Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo faces potential criminal charges for allegedly lying to Congress about COVID-19 nursing home deaths.
The House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, led by Republican Chairman Brad Wenstrup, has referred Cuomo to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for prosecution.
The subcommittee’s investigation, which began in May 2023, alleged that Cuomo made false statements during a June 2024 interview regarding his involvement in drafting a New York State Department of Health report.
This report, released on July 6, 2020, has been criticized for misrepresenting nursing home fatalities and shifting blame to staff rather than acknowledging the impact of Cuomo’s March 25, 2020, directive requiring nursing homes to admit COVID-positive patients.
Chairman Wenstrup did not mince words in his condemnation of Cuomo’s actions, stating:
“Andrew Cuomo repeatedly lied to Congress, and he must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Both witness testimony and new documents serve as evidence that the former Governor made false statements to the Select Subcommittee during our COVID-19 nursing home investigation.”
The controversy stems from Cuomo’s handling of the pandemic in New York, particularly his administration’s decision to require nursing homes to accept COVID-positive patients.
At the same time, this policy has been widely criticized for potentially exposing vulnerable elderly populations to the virus.
Moreover, the subcommittee’s investigation suggested that Cuomo’s administration may have deliberately underreported nursing home deaths by up to 50%, as revealed in a January 2021 report by the New York State Attorney General.
“Plain and simple, making false statements to Congress is a federal crime. We look forward to cooperating fully with the Justice Department’s investigation into Andrew Cuomo’s wrongdoings,” Wenstrup said.
The subcommittee’s referral letter to the DOJ concluded that Cuomo has no valid legal defense and should be charged under 18 U.S.C. § 1001 for making false statements.
In addition, evidence released in September 2024 advised that Cuomo may have attempted to influence a witness, further complicating his legal situation.
As the former governor potentially eyes a political comeback, possibly running for New York City mayor, this referral for criminal prosecution could significantly impact his future aspirations and legacy.
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