WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14), Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30), Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing National Nurses Week. 

The resolution honors and celebrates the important contributions of America’s nurses to safe, high-quality care and the invaluable role that nurses play in patient care every day and particularly in treating injured and sickpatients during wartime, natural disasters, and public health emergencies—including the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution recognizes the need to strengthen nursing workforce development and education, and calls upon all Americans to recognize, and celebrate National Nurses Week this year. 

“The past two years were a stark reminder that nurses don’t just deliver life-saving care to their patients, they willingly put themselves in harm’s way to do so,” said Congressman Joyce, a Co-Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus. “As the proud husband of a nurse, I’ve seen this dedication and compassion firsthand and continue to be in awe of it. I’m proud to join my colleagues in celebrating National Nurses Week and ask everyone in Ohio to join me in thanking the health care heroes in our communities for all that they have done and continue to do.”

“As the first Registered Nurse elected to Congress, I hold a unique understating of and appreciation for the sacrifices and contributions made by nurses in communities across the country,” said Congresswoman Johnson (TX-30). “It is necessary that we take this moment to recognize and thank our nurses for all that they do. That’s why I was proud to work with my colleagues to introduce this resolution marking and celebrating National Nurses week.”

“As the husband of a nurse, I’ve seen close-up how difficult their jobs are and how important they are to patients,” said Senator Merkley. “Like so many nurses in every corner of Oregon and all across the country, Mary has continued to serve throughout the COVID-19 pandemic—providing crucial care, support, and advocacy for families during some of their most difficult moments. This week, let’s all take a moment to appreciate and celebrate the nurses in our communities for their dedication and care, and recommit ourselves to doing all we can to provide them with the support they need to keep saving lives.” 

“Nurses serve at the frontlines of our health-care system,” said Senator Wicker. “This resolution signals our immense gratitude for these hardworking professionals in our communities.” 

Nurses represent the single largest component of the health care professions, with an estimated 4 million registered nurses in the United States. Today’s resolution recognizes the importance of nurses in providing quality care, conducting medical research, tailoring care to each community and individual needs, eliminating public health disparities, promoting healthy lifestyles, and more—especially as the world continues to navigate life through the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The full resolution can be found here.