Garbarino Co-Sponsors the "Cuomo Accountability Amendment" to Require Gov. Cuomo to Share COVID-19 Data

Press Release

Congressman Garbarino co-sponsored the "Cuomo Accountability Amendment" to the American Rescue Plan Act. This commonsense amendment would require New York and every other state to comply with requests for information from federal agencies regarding COVID-19 data. If states like New York refuse to comply with requests for information, they would be prohibited from receiving COVID-19 relief funds from this or future legislation. All funding that is withheld would be redirected to local governments directly, ensuring that communities do not lose out on funding because of their state's misconduct.

New Yorkers have suffered immensely because of Governor Cuomo's negligent policies. This amendment, introduced by Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22), holds him accountable and provides a modicum of justice to the many families who have suffered as a result of his policies. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (LA-01) and Representatives Elise Stefanik (NY-21) also co-sponsored this amendment.

"Governor Cuomo's Administration needs to be held accountable for not only implementing policies that recklessly put New York seniors in danger, but for admittedly hiding the facts from the Department of Justice," said Congressman Garbarino. "That's why I joined my colleagues in introducing the Cuomo Accountability Amendment, which would prohibit Governor Cuomo from receiving additional federal funding if he continues to withhold data regarding nursing home deaths. Further, this amendment would direct any withheld funding directly to local governments. The information that was requested is needed to understand what actually happened in New York's nursing homes and to ensure it never happens again. The fact that Governor Cuomo keeps this information secret continues to put seniors in harms' way."

"This amendment is about transparency and integrity, it prohibits Governor Cuomo from receiving additional federal funding if he continues to conceal or withhold data regarding nursing home deaths from the federal government," Congresswoman Tenney said. "The amendment is one small step toward delivering justice to the families who have been hurt by his negligent policies and shameful cover-up. Most importantly, all funding withheld from Governor Cuomo would be redirected to local governments to ensure our communities continue to receive the support they need to cope with this pandemic."

"Governor Cuomo undercounted deaths as a result of his fatal order sending thousands of COVID-positive patients into nursing homes and then he tried to conceal the data from the federal government," House Republican Whip Steve Scalise said. "Governor Cuomo refuses to take any responsibility for his actions, which is why I'm proud to support Congresswoman Claudia Tenney's amendment to ensure he is held fully accountable. Grieving families and the American people deserve immediate answers and accountability."

"The American people have watched in horror as Governor Cuomo's tragic nursing home corruption scandal has unfolded," Congresswoman Elise Stefanik said. "This commonsense amendment is one small step towards ensuring that it will never happen again, by demanding state governments comply with federal requests for accurate information, while ensuring local communities still receive the funding they need if their state leaders fail."