Congressman Demands Truth: Was Cuomo’s Nursing Home Directive Ever Federal Guidance?

Was it really federal guidance—or a fatal misstep?

In a powerful new letter addressed to New York’s top eaders, Congressman Mike Lawler is demanding long-overdue clairty on one of the most controversial decisions of the COVID-19 pandemic: the March 25, 2020 directive that forced nursing homes to admit COVID-positive patients.

Lawler’s concern is rooted in a staggering number: over 15,000 seniors died in New York State nursing homes, and more than 5,000 in New York City alone. While former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker have repeatedly defended the policy by claiming it followed CDC and CMS guidance, Lawler—and numerous federal reports—say otherwise.

Both Democratic and Republican congressional investigations dispute Cuomo’s claim. A 2021 report by New York’s Attorney General revealed that the true death toll had been severely undercounted, and a federal House Subcommittee later accused Cuomo of altering reports to protect his image.

Now, Congressman Lawler is calling for answers. His letter requests a formal written determination—within 14 days—from the Governor, Mayor, and health officials, asking if the state directive ever truly matched federal recommendations. If not, why were thousands of vulnerable seniors put at risk?

This isn’t just a question of politics—it’s a matter of accountability. And for families like the Arbeenys, who lost loved ones in those early months, the truth can’t come soon enough.