Policy Watch: Loan Collections Resume and Title VIII Highlighted

On April 16, media outlets reported on a leaked HHS Budget document outlining proposed funding levels and organizational restructuring. The proposed budget reduces HHS funding by $40 billion for Fiscal Year 2026, eliminating most Title VIII programs as well as the National Institute of Nursing Research. In response, AACN, along with other national nursing organizations, published a statement calling on the Administration to support continued investments in health, research, and the workforce.

Federal Policy Updates:

• Secretary Kennedy published an editorial defending the large-scale reduction in force at HHS.
• Department of Education to resume federal student loan collections, starting May 5.
• AACN Action Alert: Ask your federal lawmakers to support Title VIII funding by signing Dear Colleague letters.
• Help AACN amplify the importance of Title VIII and NINR by sharing your individual experiences, insights, and stories via this survey.
• The 2025 Nurse Corps Scholarship application cycle closes on Thursday, April 24, 7:30 pm (ET).

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