AACN Commends Congressional Leaders for their Bipartisan Commitment to Supporting Nursing Education and Workforce Programs

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 23, 2025 – The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) applauds the introduction of the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025 (S.1874 and H.R. 3593). Title VIII programs help address all aspects of nursing workforce demand, including education, practice, recruitment, and retention. By reauthorizing these crucial programs, this bipartisan, bicameral bill would help ensure that nursing pathways remain strong and patients across the country can continue to have access to high-quality nursing care.

Making America healthy demands continued investment in the nursing workforce, including programs that support students and the faculty who educate them. With nearly five million registered nurses nationwide, support for Title VIII programs is critical to creating, maintaining, and promoting patient-centered care across settings. This legislation would reauthorize the Nursing Workforce Development Programs (Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act) through Fiscal Year 2030 and align them with current needs in the profession.

“As the proud husband of a nurse, I know that nurses make the world so much better, one bedside at a time,” said Senator Merkley, Co-Chair of the Senate Nursing Caucus. “As we celebrate National Nurses Month, Congress must recommit to strengthening the American nursing workforce and the programs that are critical to these healthcare heroes. We must ensure America’s nurses have the resources and support necessary to meet care needs now and in the future, including in rural and medically underserved communities that too often face unique challenges in accessing quality and timely care.”

“AACN commends the introduction of this vital legislation, which will reauthorize much needed funding for nursing education and workforce development programs,” said Dr. Jean Giddens, Chair of AACN’s Board of Directors. “We recognize the importance of Title VIII programs to preparing enough nurses to meet the demand for lifesaving and health-sustaining patient care.”

“Nurses are on the frontlines of America’s healthcare system. As the husband of a nurse, their dedication continues to inspire me every day,” said Congressman Joyce, Co-Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus. “As our nation faces a growing nursing shortage and increasing demand for quality healthcare, I am proud to introduce the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act to address these challenges. Now is the time to invest in education, training, and retention programs to strengthen our nursing workforce, especially in rural and underserved communities. This bipartisan, bicameral bill is vital to ensuring a healthier future for all Americans at a time when the nation’s healthcare needs are more complex than ever.”

“Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs serve as an essential resource for our schools, faculty, and students,” said Dr. Deborah Trautman, AACN President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are eager to work with our Congressional champions to advance this crucial bill this year, which will help to protect the public’s health.”

AACN is grateful to House and Senate leaders for their bipartisan support in introducing the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025. Specifically, in the Senate, we thank Nursing Caucus Co-Chair Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), co-leads Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and cosponsors Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Adam Schiff (D-CA). In the House, we thank Nursing Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Dave Joyce (R-OH-14) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), and Vice Co-Chairs and nurse Representatives Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02) and Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14). AACN looks forward to working with Congress to advance this bill to the President’s desk.

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The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is the national voice for academic nursing representing more than 875 schools of nursing nationwide. AACN establishes quality standards for nursing education, influences the nursing profession to improve health care, and promotes public support of baccalaureate and graduate nursing education, research and practice.