Back to News Policy Watch: Federal Funding and Nutrition Education Updates Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | Policy & Advocacy Senate Releases and Considers Continuing Resolution On August 2, the Senate released its continuing resolution (CR), which would fund the federal government through December 11. This CR would also prevent the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance proposed rule from taking effect until that same date. On August 3, the Senate voted 89-4 to move the legislation forward, clearing its first major procedural hurdle. Senate CR comes shortly after AACN led and joined a number of comment letters urging OMB to delay and withdraw its proposed rule. As AACN outlined, this proposed rule would increase uncertainty in the federal grant process, jeopardize long-term research and workforce investments, and create additional administrative burdens for nursing schools and researchers. As we await the final Senate vote on the CR, click here to read the Senate CR bill text authorizing extension, Section by Section. NIH's Integration of Nutrition Training into Health Care Education Challenge The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Nutrition Research recently announced its Integration of Nutrition Training into Health Care Education Challenge to identify, recognize, and promote innovative and evidence-based nutrition curricula that strengthen nutrition education within healthcare, including nursing programs. NIH will award up to $2.1 million in prizes to help accelerate adoption of effective nutrition education approaches across the country. The submission deadline is September 15. To register and enter your submission, click here. AACN Releases the August 2026 Advocacy Guide Over the next few weeks, federal policymakers will engage with constituents in their respective states and districts as part of an August recess. During this time, they need to hear from you! AACN encourages you to take action and send messages to your elected leaders, urging them to support academic nursing. Your outreach is especially timely, as Congress will be considering key legislative and appropriations of priorities upon their return from recess in September. View AACN’s August Advocacy Guide for more information on ways to engage with federal policymakers over the next month. View all updates from Policy Watch Please login or register to post comments.