AACN Commends Congress for Passing Bipartisan Omnibus Package; Investments in Nursing Education and Research Included

WASHINGTON, D.C., MARCH 11, 2022 - The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) commends Congress for passing H.R. 2471, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, which funds the federal government for the remainder of Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 and provides aid to Ukraine. This roughly $1.5 trillion spending package provides increased investments for nursing education and research, including:

• $280.472 million for the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs, a $16 million or 6.05% increase over FY 2021 levels
• $180.862 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), a $5.905 million increase
• $44.959 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH)

“I am encouraged by the increased investments in vital federal programs that support nursing schools, deans, faculty, and students across the nation,” said Dr. Susan Bakewell-Sachs, Chair of AACN’s Board of Directors. “This critical funding is essential to our work to strengthen the nursing workforce and meet the healthcare needs of all communities.”

Additionally, H.R. 2471 provides $2.994 billion for higher education, including $6,895 for the maximum Pell Grant award, an increase of $400, in academic year 2022-2023. As Congress works to improve prenatal and maternal care, AACN is also pleased to see additional studies and grant money, including to schools of nursing, that support best practices and redefine models of care.

“AACN members continue to lead the way in meeting the nation’s healthcare needs by preparing frontline care providers and working collaboratively to build a more equitable healthcare system,” said Dr. Deborah Trautman, AACN President and Chief Executive Officer. “Federal investment in nursing education, workforce, and research is fundamental, and we appreciate Congress’ continued support for these programs.”

AACN would like to thank Congressional leadership, the full Senate and House Appropriations Committees, and leaders with the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agency's Subcommittees for their continued commitment to nursing education and research. Additionally, AACN appreciates the invaluable work and leadership of the House and Senate Nursing Caucuses as they continue to be steadfast champions.

AACN looks forward to working with Congress as they begin consideration of FY 2023 appropriations and to building upon this foundation to support the current and future nursing workforce. For information on AACN’s advocacy work, visit AACN’s Policy and Advocacy page and for more detailed funding numbers for priority programs, see AACN’s FY 2022 Appropriations funding chart.

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The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is the national voice for academic nursing representing 850 schools of nursing nationwide. AACN works to establish quality standards for nursing education; assists schools in implementing those standards; influences the nursing profession to improve health care; and promotes public support for professional nursing education, research, and practice.