Walden Statement on Potential Department of Justice Investigation into Nursing Home Deaths

Statement

Energy and Commerce Republican Leader Greg Walden (R-OR) released the following statement after the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced it has requested data from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan on their COVID-19 response in public nursing homes. DOJ is considering an investigation under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act.

"DOJ is right to request this information. There's no question these states failed their elderly citizens, and many of these governors still refuse to take responsibility for their deadly mistakes. These deaths aren't just numbers -- we're talking about mothers, fathers, grandmothers, and grandfathers -- and their families deserve answers. As the Trump Administration continues to incentivize high-quality care for nursing home residents, provide personal protective equipment, and ensure facilities have adequate testing supplies, the contrast couldn't be clearer. I thank the DOJ for taking this important step and look forward to reviewing their findings," said Walden.

On June 29, Walden and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) sent a letter to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) at the Department and Health and Human Services (HHS) requesting the OIG initiate an investigation into whether or not five states -- including the states DOJ is seeking information from -- violated federal guidance in pressuring nursing home facilities to accept patients who tested positive for COVID-19.

Walden also discussed COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes on Fox Business after raising the issue with governors during an Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing on their COVID-19 response efforts.

The Trump Administration has provided billions of dollars to support nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. This week, HHS released 1.5 million N95 respirators from the Strategic National Stockpile for distribution to over 3,000 nursing homes across the country. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released guidance and announced a new nationwide training program to help facilities and laboratories protect nursing home residents and staff by preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Earlier today, the administration announced their intention to complete distribution of a previously announced $5 billion for nursing homes under the Provider Relief Fund.

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