Washington, D.C. \u2014 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 \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (PA-15), and Mike Kelly (PA-16).<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe COVID pandemic placed an enormous strain on hospitals throughout our commonwealth \u2014 requiring providers to absorb large, short-term expenses in order to save lives,\u201d\u00a0said Congressman Ryan Mackenzie<\/strong>. \u201cAs our health care providers work to complete their COVID recovery and prepare for the future, they\u2019re 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.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHospitals are among the most vital institutions in any community, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, Pennsylvania\u2019s 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\u2014and across Pennsylvania\u2014receive the resources they were promised and rightfully earned,\u201d\u00a0said Congressman Fitzpatrick.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cPennsylvania hospitals stepped up during COVID-19 and did everything asked of them and more to protect patients and support frontline workers,\u201d\u00a0said Congressman Bresnahan.<\/strong>\u00a0\u201cFEMA should stop dragging its feet and release the funds these providers were promised so they can keep caring for families across the Commonwealth.”<\/p>\n \u201cHospitals 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,\u201d\u00a0said Congressman Lloyd Smucker.<\/strong><\/p>\n Read the letter\u00a0HERE<\/a><\/u><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Information provided to TVL by: <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Washington, D.C. \u2014 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 … Continue reading Congressman Mackenzie Requests Distribution of Nearly $600 Million in COVID Relief Funds to PA Hospitals<\/span>
\nArnaud Armstrong<\/p>\n