Joyce Introduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Improve Nursing Education & Workforce Development Programs 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Dave Joyce (OH-14), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Jen Kiggans (VA-02), and Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) introduced the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025 to improve and support essential programs that aid our nation’s nursing schools in their capacity to educate students and ensure well-trained nurses are entering a steady healthcare workforce pipeline. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Susan Collins (R-ME), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) also introduced companion legislation in the Senate. 

Title VIII is the primary source of federal funding for nursing education in the U.S. The programs under Title VIII directly invest in our nation’s health by addressing specific needs within the nursing workforce pipeline and America’s patient population. Specifically, these programs provide targeted support for institutions that educate nurses for practice in rural and medically underserved communities, bolstering nursing education at all levels, from entry-level to graduate study. 

“Nurses are on the frontlines of America’s health care system. As the husband of a nurse, their dedication continues to inspire me every day,” said Congressman Joyce, Co-Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus. “As our nation faces a growing nursing shortage and increasing demand for quality healthcare, I am proud to introduce the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act to address these challenges. Now is the time to invest in education, training, and retention programs to strengthen our nursing workforce, especially in rural and underserved communities. This bipartisan, bicameral bill is vital to ensuring a healthier future for all Americans at a time when the nation’s healthcare needs are more complex than ever.” 

“The country is facing a nursing workforce shortage and plenty of people want to become nurses. But in many conversations with health care leaders, educators, and students, I’ve heard that the high cost of college and lack of open spots in nursing education programs prevent many aspiring nurses from entering the field. I’m pleased to join my Nursing Caucus colleagues in leading this bipartisan update to strengthen federal support for nursing education and workforce development programs,” said Congresswoman Bonamici, Co-Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus.

“As a nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how essential nurses are to the strength and sustainability of our healthcare system,” said Congresswoman Kiggans, Vice-Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus. “This bipartisan, bicameral bill tackles the nursing shortage head-on by expanding clinical education opportunities, increasing the number of trained nurses, and investing in the educators who prepare them. I’m proud to support legislation that strengthens our nursing pipeline and ensures our healthcare workforce is equipped to meet the demands of the future.”

“Nurses are at the forefront of promoting public health and providing quality, affordable health care to our communities and it is essential that we continue to support and grow the nursing workforce,” said Congresswoman Underwood, Vice Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus. “Reauthorizing Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs is a critical part of this work. As a nurse, I’m proud to support this bipartisan legislation that invests in the education and retention of the nursing professionals who keep our nation healthy.”

“As the proud husband of a nurse, I know that nurses make the world so much better, one bedside at a time,” said Senator Merkley, Co-Chair of the Senate Nursing Caucus. “As we celebrate National Nurses Month, Congress must recommit to strengthening the American nursing workforce and the programs that are critical to these health care heroes. We must ensure America’s nurses have the resources and support necessary to meet care needs now and in the future, including in rural and medically underserved communities that too often face unique challenges in accessing quality and timely care.”

“The State of Maine continues to face a serious shortage of nurses, particularly in rural communities where hospitals struggle to recruit and retain staff,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan legislation would help strengthen the nursing workforce by reauthorizing critical programs that support nursing education, expand access to clinical training, and help schools prepare more students for careers in nursing. Doing so is essential to addressing the workforce shortages facing hospitals across our country.”

To make sure all Wisconsinites can get good, affordable health care, we need to have a skilled workforce to provide it. Nurses are an essential piece of the health care experience, but sadly, we have a shortage of these unsung heroes – particularly in our rural areas. Our bill will help fill that gap, making sure anyone who wants to become a nurse has access to the education and the support they need, setting people up for good-paying jobs, and helping fill the needs of our communities,” said Senator Baldwin.

“Nurses are the backbone of patient care, delivering critical health care services,” said Senator Blackburn. “The nursing workforce is facing shortages in communities across Tennessee and America. The Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025 would equip more nurses with the education and training they need to meet the needs of patients who need them most.”

“Federal support for nursing education and research is critical to sustaining the nation’s schools of nursing, ensuring an adequate supply of faculty, and strengthening student pathways into the profession,” said Dr. Jean Giddens, Chair of the AACN Board of Directors. “With the introduction of the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025, we applaud the bipartisan commitment to strengthening the healthcare workforce, which in turn improves patient outcomes and ensures access to nursing care.”

“Access to quality healthcare is fundamental to supporting the health of all Americans,” said Dr. Deborah Trautman, President and Chief Executive Officer of AACN. “We are grateful to Representative Joyce along with Representatives Bonamici, Kiggans, and Underwood for introducing the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025, which represents a strong commitment to growing our nation’s nursing workforce and keeping patients safe.”

“We are deeply grateful to Representatives Joyce, Bonamici, Kiggans, and Underwood for championing the reauthorization of the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Program. This legislation is more than funding — it is a lifeline for the nursing profession. Title VIII supports the education, training, and advancement of nurses across the country, ensuring we have a strong, skilled, and sustainable workforce ready to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. At a time when our healthcare system depends so heavily on nurses, this investment is critical to the future of our profession and the health of our nation,”said Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, President, American Nurses Association.

See a full list of endorsing organizations here.

Read the full text of the bill here.

In 2019, Congressman Joyce introduced similar legislation to reauthorize Title VIII, which passed the House of Representatives and was later signed into law as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in March 2020.

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