Congressman Mackenzie Requests Distribution of Nearly $600 Million in COVID Relief Funds to Pennsylvania Hospitals

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, is leading a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requesting the release of nearly $600 million of previously unobligated Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance funds related to COVID-19 response costs. Congressman Mackenzie was joined on the letter by members of Congress from Pennsylvania, including Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Rob Bresnahan (PA-08), Dan Meuser (PA-09), Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), John Joyce (PA-13), Glenn "GT" Thompson (PA-15), and Mike Kelly (PA-16).

During the COVID pandemic, FEMA offered Public Assistance grants to help offset the significant costs to hospitals. While a significant portion of that funding was distributed, close to $600 million in reimbursements to Pennsylvania health care providers remain outstanding.

"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 Congressman Ryan 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."

"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 Congressman Fitzpatrick.

"Pennsylvania hospitals stepped up during COVID-19 and did everything asked of them and more to protect patients and support frontline workers," said Congressman 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 Congressman Lloyd Smucker.

Read the letter HERE