Historic Increases Proposed for Title VIII Funding and NINR

WASHINGTON, DC – July 15, 2021 – The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) applauds the House Appropriations Committee for advancing the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (LHHS-ED) spending bill, which includes major new investments in nursing education and research. Specifically, the bill includes $314.472 million for Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs, a $50 million increase over the FY 2021 funding level, and $200.782 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), a nearly $26 million increase over FY 2021. 

“The proposed increases for Title VIII programs and NINR represent a necessary and strong step forward as we continue to support our current and future nurses,” said Dr. Susan Bakewell-Sachs, Chair of the AACN Board of Directors. “Further, this significant boost in funding reinforces what we are witnessing firsthand - investing in nursing education and transformative research is essential for the health of patients in all communities across the nation.”

This bill also provides $119.8 billion for the Department of Health and Human Services, which includes $49 billion for the National Institutes of Health and $7.5 billion for the Health Resources and Services Administration, as well as $102.8 billion for the Department of Education, including $3.43 billion for higher education programs and $27.2 billion for student financial assistance. The Committee Report considers the impact of COVID-19 on our nation’s nursing and healthcare workforce; strengthens master’s programs, including those in nursing at Historically Black Colleges and Universities; supports the Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) program, and advances gun violence research and mental health.

“As we continue to address COVID-19, and look to the future, AACN member schools need support to strengthen the critical roles they play at the nexus of higher education and public health,” said Dr. Deborah Trautman, AACN President and Chief Executive Officer. “We commend House appropriators for putting forth such strong investments, and we look forward to working with the Senate and Congress to ensure continued resources to support schools of nursing, faculty, and students.”

AACN recognizes the remarkable leadership of the House Appropriations Committee with special thanks to Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) and members of the Committee for their continued commitment to nursing education and research. Further, AACN deeply appreciates the strong nursing champions we have in the House Nursing Caucus, including Caucus Co-Chairs, Representatives Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA-40) and David Joyce (R-OH-14) and Vice Co-Chairs, Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01) and Rodney Davis (R-IL-13), as well as Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), a Registered Nurse and member of the House Appropriations Committee. Congressional leaders remain steadfast in their support of the nursing workforce and the development of future nursing leaders. AACN looks forward to working with these legislators, and the entire Congress, to ensure these meaningful and historic investments in Title VIII programs and NINR are ultimately signed into law.  

For more information on all of AACN’s advocacy work, visit AACN’s Policy and Advocacy page.