Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act Advances Out of Committee

Today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2017 (H.R. 959) out of the committee by a voice vote. H.R. 959 now awaits a vote on the House floor. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) commends the Committee's commitment to our nation's health by supporting this key legislation.

"Our nation's nursing workforce is the backbone of our healthcare system," said Co-Chair of the Nursing Caucus Congressman Dave Joyce (R-OH). "As the husband of a nurse, I know the amount of dedication and support nurses put into their daily task of caring for every patient. I was proud to champion this effort to enhance the current and future nursing workforce and I call on my colleagues in the House to quickly pass the bill."

Representative Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), Co-Chair of the House Nursing Caucus, said: "Nursing shortages across the country are straining care, especially in our rural and underserved communities, endangering patient health and well-being, and driving up healthcare costs. In the next two years alone, the U.S. is on track to face a shortage of roughly 200,000 nursing professionals. Reauthorizing federal funding for vital programs that provide nurses with training, education, and financial support will expand access to quality healthcare for our communities. I urge Congress to pass these bipartisan bills so we can build a 21st century healthcare workforce that meets the needs of our future."

AACN membership has been instrumental in voicing support for these programs by sending 450 messages to over 170 different Congressional offices on the importance of passing the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act.

AACN applauds the House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) and Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ) for their commitment to move H.R. 959 forward. Furthermore, AACN, commends the sponsor of H.R. 959, Representative Dave Joyce (R-OH), along with the original cosponsors, Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA), Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), and Kathy Castor (D-FL). This bipartisan effort includes the co-sponsorship of ninety-nine Representatives in total, demonstrating a true commitment to the role of nurses in transforming quality care.