In recent months, AAACN’s active Advocacy Committee has proudly represented AAACN in supporting numerous legislative initiatives from the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) and beyond:
AAACN’s 2026 CMS Comments
AAACN submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) advocating for greater recognition of RNs as qualified providers, expanded reimbursement for RN-led services, and stronger workplace safety protections. These recommendations ensure the vital role of ambulatory care nurses is represented in national policy decisions.
| NCC Submits Written Comments to Department of Education on Implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill AAACN joined 56 members of the NCC in signing onto written comments submitted to the U.S. Department of Education urging them to consider the needs of our current and future nurses when implementing H.R.1, the One Big Beautiful Bill. In particular, the NCC requests that the Department classify post-baccalaureate nursing programs under “professional” degree programs. |
| NCC Sends Letter to Congress Outlining Top Appropriations and Legislative Priorities
AAACN signed onto NCC’s letter to all members of Congress, urging them to take action on top appropriations and legislative priorities that impact nursing education, workforce, and research. |
| NCC Thanks Members of Congress for Introducing the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025
AAACN endorsed NCC’s letter thanking the Senators and Representatives who introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025 (S.1874/H.R.3593), and urging its passage this Congress. |
| NCC Sends Letter Welcoming NINR Interim Director, Dr. Courtney Aklin AAACN signed NCC’s letter welcoming the Interim Director of the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), Dr. Courtney Aklin. The NCC has a long tradition of working with NINR by supporting the work of nurse scientists, advocating for investments in research and future researchers, and sharing the Institute’s foundational work to improve healthcare delivery across the care continuum. |
| NCC Thanks Members of Congress for Introducing the Nurse Corps Tax Parity Act of 2025 AAACN joined 54 other members of NCC in signing onto a letter to Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Roger Wicker (R-MS), along with Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Mike Thompson (D-CA-04), and Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), thanking them for introducing the bipartisan, bicameral Nurse Corps Tax Parity Act of 2025 (S.1548/H.R.3145). |
| NCC Thanks Representative Courtney and Senator Baldwin for Introducing the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act
AAACN signed onto NCC’s letter thanking Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT-02) and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) for introducing the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act (H.R.2531/S.1232) |
| NCC Submits Testimony to Senate Appropriations LHHS-ED Subcommittee AAACN, along with the other 63 members of the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC), sent a letter to Congressional Leadership, as well as to House and Senate Appropriations Committees, requesting at least $310.472 million for Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and at least $197.693 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) in fiscal year (FY) 2025, as outlined in the Senate Appropriations Committee passed bill. |
| NCC Thanks Congress for Introducing a Resolution Honoring and Recognizing National Nurses Week 2025 AAACN joined all other members of NCC in endorsing a letter thanking the leadership of the House and Senate Nursing Caucuses, along with 16 bipartisan members in the Senate, for introducing S.Res.206 and H.Res.389 - a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, to be observed from May 6 through May 12, 2025. |
| NCC Sends Letter to Congress Outlining Top Legislative Priorities During National Nurses Week AAACN joined all other members of NCC in endorsing a letter urging Congress to take action on top appropriations and legislative priorities that impact nursing education, workforce, and research. This letter comes as we celebrate National Nurses Week 2025. |
| NCC Thanks Members of Congress for Introducing the Ensuring Veterans Timely Access to Anesthesia Care Act of 2025
AAACN signed onto NCC’s letter thanking Reps. Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) and Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02) for introducing the bipartisan Ensuring Veterans Timely Access to Anesthesia Care Act (H.R.2234). |
| NCC Submits Testimony to House Appropriation LHHS-ED Subcommittee AAACN joined 62 members of NCC in signing onto written testimony submitted to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. The testimony featured the coalition's funding requests of at least $530 million for the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and at least $210 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research for Fiscal Year 2026 supporting our nurse scientists and researchers throughout NIH, including preserving the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) as an independent Institute within NIH by supporting at least $210 million for the NINR |
| NCC Sends FY 2026 Appropriations Requests to House and Senate LHHS-ED Appropriations Subcommittees AAACN endorsed NCC’s letter to the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies requesting at least $530 million for Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and at least $210 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) in fiscal year (FY) 2026. |
| NCC Thanks Members of Congress for Introducing the I CAN Act AAACN signed onto NCC’s letter thanking Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH-14), along with other cosponsors, for introducing the Improving Care and Access to Nurses (I CAN) Act (S.575/H.R.1317). |
| NCC Thanks Members of Congress for Introducing the PRECEPT Nurses Act AAACN joined all other members of NCC in endorsing a letter urging Congress to take action on top appropriations and legislative priorities that impact nursing education, workforce, and research. This letter comes as we celebrate National Nurses Week 2025. |