Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick and several members of the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation called on the Department of Homeland Security on Mar. 19 to release nearly $600 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency Public Assistance funding still owed to Pennsylvania health care providers for COVID-19 response costs.
The lawmakers said that while much of the FEMA funding has already been distributed, a significant amount remains outstanding. They argue that these funds are critical for hospitals that incurred large expenses during the pandemic and are still recovering.
“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.
Representative Ryan Mackenzie 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.”
Representative 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.” Representative 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.”
Fitzpatrick has focused on strengthening health care systems in his district by securing federal investments aimed at expanding capacity, modernizing infrastructure, and improving access to high-quality care. Most recently, he helped secure $1.2 million toward an Intensive Care Unit expansion at Lower Bucks Hospital completed in January; this project more than doubled ICU capacity from 10 to 22 beds with upgrades including patient monitoring systems.
Brian Fitzpatrick is currently serving in Congress representing Pennsylvania’s 1st district after replacing Mike Fitzpatrick in 2017 according to available records. He was born in Philadelphia in 1973 and now lives in Levittown; he graduated from La Salle University with a Bachelor of Science degree before earning his law degree from Pennsylvania State University.
