Joyce, Colleagues Reintroduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution to Commemorate National Nurses Week
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Dave Joyce (R-OH-14), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), and Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) introduced a bipartisan resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, recognized annually from May 6th to May 12th, to honor the extraordinary contributions of nurses across the United States. U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) also introduced this resolution in the Senate.
The resolution acknowledges the important contributions that America’s nearly 5 million registered nurses have made in providing safe, high-quality care, and it calls on all Americans to also recognize and celebrate the invaluable role that nurses play in patient care every day— particularly in treating injured and sick patients during wartime, natural disasters, and public health emergencies.
“Nurses are the backbone of our health care system. Unfortunately, too often, their tireless efforts go unrecognized,” said Congressman Dave Joyce, Co-Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus. “I’m proud to introduce this resolution with my colleagues in both chambers to recognize the hard work our nurses put in to keeping our communities happy and healthy. I will continue to make sure their voices are heard in Congress.”
“Our health care system relies on the tireless service nurses provide every day, and I am grateful to everyone who works in this essential profession,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, Co-Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus. “As Co-Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus, I’ll continue our work to provide nurses with the support they need and help more people enter the field.”
“I appreciate all that nurses do to keep our country healthy,” said Congresswoman Jen Kiggans, Vice Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus. “As a geriatric nurse practitioner, I had the honor of caring for our Greatest Generation alongside many dedicated nurses. Their selfless commitment to caring for those who need it most deserves to be celebrated. I am proud to recognize National Nurses Week and will continue to be a loud advocate for our nurses while I serve in Congress!”
“I am thrilled to introduce this resolution and recognize nurses for their incredible commitment, care and contributions to our communities,” said Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, Congressional Nursing Caucus Vice Chair. “Every day, across the country, nurses are providing high-quality clinical care, engaging in policy advocacy, and leading in their communities. National Nurses Week is an opportunity to show our thanks and recognition, and I look forward to continuing my work to support nurses at every stage of our education, training, and careers.”
“As the husband of a nurse, I’ve seen up-close how difficult nurses’ jobs are and how important they are to patients,”said Senator Merkley, Co-Chair of the Senate Nursing Caucus. “In every corner of Oregon, nurses offer vital care, support, and advocacy to patients and their families during challenging times. Let’s pause this week to express gratitude and honor the nurses in our communities for their unwavering commitment and compassion. We must remain dedicated to providing them with the support necessary to continue their life-saving work.”
“Nurses are essential to our nation’s health care system,”said Senator Wicker, Co-Chair of the Senate Nursing Caucus. “They ensure patients receive timely and quality care, and their dedication is unmatched. Our country needs more of these heroes, and I hope more young people will consider joining the nursing profession. This resolution is a small token of our gratitude for their service.”
Full text of the resolution can be found here.