Federal lawmakers who represent two of the hardest-hit states in the coronavirus pandemic are seeking to direct aid to regional hospitals that could be overwhelmed by an influx of patients.

New York and New Jersey House members on Monday released a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar urging him to prioritize the $100 billion in hospital spending in a $2 trillion rescue bill for hospitals in their states.

New York leads the nation in coronavirus cases, followed by New Jersey.

“Our healthcare professionals and facilities across New York State are facing an unprecedented challenge with the number of COVID-19 cases increasing each day,” said Rep. Elise Stefanik in a statement, a Republican who represents New York's North Country.  

“They need critical federal support to help them prepare for surge capacity, increase their workforce, and obtain essential resources like personal protective equipment and testing supplies. We cannot hesitate in providing this funding to our regional hospitals in order to help them treat and care for all individuals impacted by Coronavirus. I will continue to advocate for support for these amazing professionals and facilities who are rising to meet this challenge.”

The letter comes as Gov. Andrew Cuomo is urging hospitals in New York to work as a single network -- including private and public facilities that have operated independently of one another.

Some upstate health care resources, including personnel, will be sent to downstate facilities to help manage the surge of coronavirus patience.

At the same time, federal government has expanded hospital capacity in the New York City metropolitan area, building temporary hospital facilities at the Jacob Javits Center, the Westchester County Center and on SUNY campuses on Long Island.

A hospital ship, the USNS Comfort, is docking in New York City to help manage hospital overflow.

Cuomo has also said some hospitals upstate may take downstate patients if capacity reaches its limits in the metropolitan area.