Letter to the Hon. Paul Ryan, Speaker of the House and the Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Leader of the House - Congresswoman Claudia Tenney Calls on Speaker Ryan and Leader Pelosi to Take Immediate Action to Continue Funding for Community Health Centers
Letter
I write today to express my commitment to working with you to ensure that our nation's Community Health Centers receive an extension of critical funding, which is otherwise set to expire on September 30, 2017. This funding provides high-quality care to millions of Americans.
With the funding deadline fast approaching, we must prioritize the extension of the Community Health Centers Program. Barring further action, Community Health Centers may see an almost 70 percent reduction in federal funding. Such a dramatic funding cut could lead to a closure of around 2,800 health centers, the loss of more than 50,000 jobs, and a sharp decrease in access to care.
In the 22nd District of New York, we have four federally-funded health centers that leverage more than $10 million in funding to serve a population of 150,000 patients across 23 delivery sites. I have personally visited these locations to see firsthand the vital services these organizations provide. The Family Health Network of Central New York, for example, has more than 10 delivery sites and provides everything from pediatric and women's health services to dental care.
As part of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (P.L. 114-10), Congress sent a strong, bipartisan message by extending health center funding for two years. However, with this authorization set to expire at the end of the month, we must act swiftly to ensure there is no disruption in funding. In addition, I support a long-term extension of this critical funding to avoid these fiscal cliffs in the future, which is why I have cosponsored the Community Health Investment, Modernization, and Excellence Act (H.R. 3770) to extend funding for five years.
I appreciate your leadership on this issue and stand ready to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure health centers have the necessary resources to continue their vital work.
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