In a heated session before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo faced tough questioning over his administration's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus of the inquiry was Cuomo's controversial directive that required infected patients to be placed in nursing homes, which is believed to have led to the deaths of thousands of senior citizens. The closed-door transcribed interview conducted in June shed light on the ex-governor's alleged deflation of the COVID nursing home death toll and his lucrative $5 million book deal.

During the session, COVID Committee Chair Brad Wenstrup (R- Ohio) expressed his disappointment with Cuomo's testimony, accusing him of refusing to admit any wrongdoing and demonstrating a lack of remorse. Wenstrup noted that the former governor appeared "shockingly callous" during the interview, failing to show any inclination for self-reflection or soul-searching. Instead, Cuomo seemed to double down on his stance, further raising concerns among committee members.

The mandate issued by Cuomo's administration to move infected patients into nursing homes has been widely criticized as an ill-advised decision that put elderly residents at a heightened risk of contracting COVID-19. The House Subcommittee sought to shed light on the decision-making process behind this directive, challenging the scientific merits behind it. The committee claimed that Cuomo's administration provided "unscientific guidance" which ultimately led to tragic consequences.

One of the key issues raised during the session was Cuomo's alleged manipulation of the COVID nursing home death toll. Criticisms have been leveled against the former governor for allegedly underreporting the number of fatalities that occurred in nursing homes due to the virus. The discrepancies in reporting have fueled concerns regarding the transparency and accuracy of the administration's handling of the crisis.

Furthermore, Cuomo's $5 million book deal, which focused on his leadership during the pandemic, drew sharp criticism from committee members. The timing of the deal, signed while the crisis was ongoing, raised questions about its appropriateness and whether it was a conflict of interest. The committee sought clarification on whether any favorable narratives were pushed to benefit the book's publication.

As the session came to a close, it became evident that Cuomo's testimony fell short of providing the accountability sought by the committee. The former governor's reluctance to acknowledge mistakes and lack of remorse left many disappointed, raising concerns about the overall handling of the COVID-19 nursing home crisis. The House Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic vows to continue its investigation to ensure transparency and accountability in the face of the devastating impact of the pandemic on nursing home residents.