Hochul subpoenaed by Congress over nursing home death documents

The House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic has issued a subpoena to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, accusing her office of failing to provide essential documents related to nursing home deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. The subpoena highlights the absence of Blackberry messages exchanged between state officials and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, which are believed to be crucial for understanding the administration's decisions during the crisis. The committee's chairman, Rep. Brad Wenstrup, expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and cooperation from Hochul's office, noting that significant documents have not been produced despite previous requests. The investigation aims to clarify the role of Cuomo in the controversial directive that allowed nursing homes to readmit patients without prior COVID-19 testing, as well as the alleged underreporting of nursing home deaths. The committee has received a substantial number of documents but believes that key communications are still missing. Wenstrup emphasized that the public deserves access to this information, which is vital for evaluating the administration's pandemic response. Hochul's office has stated that it will comply with the subpoena, but the ongoing investigation raises questions about the accountability of both her and Cuomo's administrations. The committee's inquiry is particularly focused on reconciling conflicting testimonies regarding the drafting of a state report on nursing home deaths, which has faced significant criticism. As the investigation continues, the implications of the findings could have lasting effects on public trust in government handling of health crises and the accountability of state officials during emergencies.