Congressman Ryan Mackenzie and several other Pennsylvania representatives called on the Department of Homeland Security on Mar. 16 to distribute nearly $600 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency Public Assistance funds still owed to hospitals for COVID-19 response costs.
The request comes as many health care providers across Pennsylvania continue to face financial challenges from the pandemic, with lawmakers saying that full reimbursement is essential for their recovery and future preparedness.
Mackenzie, who represents Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District covering Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon counties and part of Monroe County, said, “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. 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.”
Other members of Congress joined Mackenzie’s call. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick said, “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.”
Congressman Rob Bresnahan added: “Pennsylvania hospitals stepped up during COVID-19 and did everything asked of them and more to protect patients and support frontline workers. FEMA should stop dragging its feet and release the funds these providers were promised so they can keep caring for families across the Commonwealth.” Congressman Lloyd Smucker also said: “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.”
Mackenzie supports community programs such as art competitions, commendations, grant assistance according to his official website. He also offers Spanish-language services by appointment at his Downtown Allentown office according to his official website. His legislative focus includes healthcare improvements, workforce development initiatives, taxpayer protection measures, environmental conservation efforts, veteran support programs and government reform according to his official website.
Looking ahead, Mackenzie’s office says he will continue advocating for timely distribution of federal relief funds so that local health systems can recover fully from pandemic-related expenses.
