House Committee Advances Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) commends the House Energy and Commerce Committee for advancing H.R. 728, the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2019, out of Committee. This legislation is vital to developing a robust and diverse nursing pipeline, especially in rural and underserved areas. Nursing's academic leaders applaud the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ), and Ranking Member Greg Walden (R-OR) for their leadership and steadfast dedication to the nursing profession.

"I know first-hand how crucial Title VIII nursing workforce development programs are to the education of the next generation of nurses," said Dr. Ann Cary, Chair of the AACN Board of Directors. "The Committee's work is a strong next step to ensuring that these programs are reauthorized for the next five years."

"With our nation on the verge of a nursing shortage, we need to do all we can to support recruitment and retention programs to ensure those who are interested in pursuing a career in nursing have access to the high-quality education and training opportunities necessary to do so," said Rep. Dave Joyce (OH-14). "I was pleased to see the House Energy and Commerce Committee recognize that need today by unanimously passing the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2019. I look forward to seeing this critical legislation be brought to the House floor for a vote as soon as possible."

"Our nation is in dire need of nurses who, every day, serve as the heart of our healthcare system, providing care to those who need it most. Rural and underserved communities, like those in my district and across the country, are hardest hit by the national nursing shortage," said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. "As a co-chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus, passage of our bipartisan bill, the Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act, by the Energy and Commerce Committee is the first step toward the urgent action Congress must take to ensure we build a 21st Century nursing workforce that will serve the needs of all our people."

AACN thanks the sponsor of H.R. 728, Representative David Joyce (R-OH), as well as the original cosponsors, Representatives Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Kathy Castor (D-FL), David McKinley (R-WV), and Lauren Underwood (D-IL), for their tireless efforts to advance this legislation.

"Title VIII programs are an essential investment in nursing education and the workforce," said Dr. Deborah Trautman, AACN President and Chief Executive Officer. "We hope the House will take up and pass Title VIII Reauthorization so nursing students, faculty, and our communities can continue to access these invaluable programs."

AACN remains committed to passing the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act this Congress and looks forward to working with our nursing champions to ensure that this legislation becomes law.