### House Panel Refers Andrew Cuomo to DOJ Over Alleged False Testimony

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is facing accusations of providing "criminally false statements" to a U.S. House panel concerning New York's response during the COVID-19 pandemic. On Wednesday, a criminal referral was sent by the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. The referral states that Cuomo made materially false statements during a closed-door testimony that occurred on June 11, 2024.

Cuomo's contentious remarks are linked to a July 6, 2020, New York Department of Health report on nursing home infections and deaths. The subcommittee contends that Cuomo falsely testified that he was not involved in drafting or reviewing the report, despite evidence suggesting otherwise. The committee presented documents, including a June 23, 2020, email and handwritten notes on a draft copy, which allegedly show Cuomo's involvement.

Representative Elise Stefanik and Representative Brad Wenstrup have been vocal critics of Cuomo's handling of pandemic policies, particularly those affecting nursing homes. They have accused Cuomo of endangering residents by requiring nursing homes to readmit recovering COVID-19 patients, a directive they argue was inconsistent with federal guidance.

Cuomo, who resigned in August 2021 following unrelated sexual harassment allegations, has maintained that his administration acted appropriately given the circumstances. During his testimony in June 2024, he attributed shortcomings in New York’s response to the Trump administration's failures in providing adequate testing and protective equipment.

Cuomo’s spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, vehemently denied the panel’s allegations, labeling their actions as a "taxpayer-funded farce." In Cuomo’s defense, Azzopardi cited transcripts of the testimony where Cuomo repeatedly claimed he could not recall specific details regarding the July 6 report. In addition, Cuomo's attorney, Rita Galvin, has requested the subcommittee provide documents to help refresh the former governor's memory.

The subcommittee's referral and the conflicting statements underscore the ongoing debate over the handling of the pandemic, particularly in New York, which experienced one of the highest COVID-19 death tolls in long-term care facilities. Critics argue that Cuomo’s centralization of the pandemic response in the governor’s office contributed to the crisis, while Cuomo’s defenders claim it was a necessary measure under unprecedented conditions.