Fitzpatrick Calls on DHS to Release Nearly $600 Million in FEMA Reimbursements for PA Hospitals

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), joined by members of the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation including Representatives Ryan Mackenzie (PA-7), Rob Bresnahan (PA-8), Dan Meuser (PA-9), Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), John Joyce (PA-13), Glenn "GT" Thompson (PA-15), and Mike Kelly (PA-16), is calling on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release nearly $600 million in previously unobligated Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance funding still owed to Pennsylvania health care providers for eligible COVID-19 response costs.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, FEMA made Public Assistance funding available to help reimburse hospitals for eligible emergency response costs. While much of that funding has already been distributed, nearly $600 million owed to Pennsylvania providers remains outstanding.

"Hospitals are among the most vital institutions in any community, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, Pennsylvania's hospitals proved exactly why. At the heart of that effort were extraordinary doctors, nurses, and health care professionals who worked tirelessly under immense pressure to care for the sick, protect those around them, and serve as a lifeline for families during a time of profound uncertainty. That service came at a significant cost, and these hospitals should not still be waiting for support intended to help shoulder that burden. We will continue pressing to ensure the hospitals of Bucks and Montgomery counties-and across Pennsylvania-receive the resources they were promised and rightfully earned," said Fitzpatrick.

"The COVID pandemic placed an enormous strain on hospitals throughout our commonwealth - requiring providers to absorb large, short-term expenses in order to save lives," said Mackenzie. "As our health care providers work to complete their COVID recovery and prepare for the future, they're counting on full reimbursement via the funding that the federal government has already allocated. Distribution of the $600 million in outstanding Public Assistance funds will provide critical support for Pennsylvania providers and empower their ability to provide the highest quality care."

"Pennsylvania hospitals stepped up during COVID-19 and did everything asked of them and more to protect patients and support frontline workers," said Bresnahan. "FEMA should stop dragging its feet and release the funds these providers were promised so they can keep caring for families across the Commonwealth."

"Hospitals across Pennsylvania provide exceptional care to our communities every day. This was especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pennsylvania hospitals should receive the Public Assistance funding they are owed for the critical services they delivered," said Smucker.

Fitzpatrick has long prioritized strengthening the health care systems and frontline institutions that Pennsylvania families rely on, including by securing federal investments to expand capacity, modernize infrastructure, and improve access to high-quality care across the First District.

Most recently, that work helped deliver the completion of a major Intensive Care Unit expansion at Lower Bucks Hospital in January, supported by $1.2 million secured by Fitzpatrick. The project more than doubled ICU capacity from 10 to 22 beds and included major upgrades to patient monitoring, call and security systems, and specialized cardiac ICU infrastructure, significantly enhancing the hospital's ability to deliver advanced, lifesaving care close to home.