Clermont Times

Washington, D.C. - Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic Chairman Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio) and Representative Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) are urging New York Governor Kathy Hochul to provide information regarding the state's COVID-19 nursing home policies. Despite multiple requests, the Select Subcommittee has not received any responsive documents from Governor Hochul's office.

The Select Subcommittee has been seeking access to all documents and communications related to New York's "must-admit" COVID-19 nursing home mandate, which has been linked to disastrous consequences. However, Governor Hochul's office has failed to produce any of the requested information. Instead, they have asked the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to respond on their behalf.

This attempt to evade accountability has raised concerns about Governor Hochul's involvement in covering up the failures of her predecessor, Andrew Cuomo. Chairman Wenstrup and Representative Malliotakis have called on Governor Hochul and New York State Department of Health Commissioner James McDonald to act transparently and provide the Select Subcommittee with the requested information.

In their letter to Governor Hochul, the lawmakers wrote, "This Select Subcommittee expects your response to this letter, not another deflection of responsibility. We are simply requesting transparency." They also highlighted the Governor's promise to be fully transparent regarding COVID-19 deaths and nursing home readmissions.

The lawmakers also expressed their disappointment in the NYSDOH's limited response to their questions. While some responsive documents have been produced, the NYSDOH has yet to answer all of the Select Subcommittee's inquiries.

The Select Subcommittee's letters to Governor Kathy Hochul and New York State Department of Health Commissioner James McDonald can be read here.

This ongoing obstruction by Governor Hochul's office has hindered the investigation into the COVID-19 nursing home policies in New York. The Select Subcommittee is determined to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable for the devastating consequences of these policies.

The lack of transparency from Governor Hochul and her administration has only fueled further doubt and suspicion. The public deserves to know the full extent of what happened and why. It is crucial that all relevant information is provided to the Select Subcommittee so that a comprehensive understanding of the situation can be achieved.

As the investigation continues, it is essential for Governor Hochul and Commissioner McDonald to prioritize transparency and cooperate fully with the Select Subcommittee. The lawmakers' call for the release of all information related to the fatal COVID-19 nursing home directives is not only reasonable but necessary for the sake of accountability and justice.

The Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic will persist in its efforts to obtain the requested documents and communications. The truth behind New York's COVID-19 nursing home policies must be uncovered, and those responsible must be held accountable for their actions.

Click this link to access more information: https://wenstrup.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=407922