NLN Calls on Congress to Protect Public Investments in the Health of All Americans

NLN Calls on Congress to Protect Public Investments in the Health of All Americans

President’s Budget Blueprint Would Deeply Cut Vital Federal Programs for Nursing & Health Care

Washington, DC – The National League for Nursing calls on Congress to protect public investments by the federal government that support the health of every American. The budget blueprint released by the Trump Administration would deeply cut vital nursing and health care programs relied upon by millions of people across the country.

Regrettably, the proposal would negatively affect all aspects of public health—from research and workforce development to access to care in rural, suburban and urban areas. No one would be safe from the impact of these unwarranted cuts to patient care.

We reiterate our strong opposition to the proposed elimination of the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), which “leads nursing research to solve pressing health challenges and inform practice and policy—optimizing health and advancing health equity into the future,” according to its Mission. This directly impacts the care that everyone receives from nurses.

We also oppose the nearly 40% proposed reduction in the budget for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the apparent consolidation or elimination of nursing education and faculty support programs under Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act. As the nation’s first nursing association and the leading voice for nursing education, the National League for Nursing stands ready to consult with Congress and the administration on these proposals and provide essential information about their impact on patient care and the health of our nation.

It is Congress that is ultimately responsible for passing the federal budget into law. The National League for Nursing urges Congress to reject these proposals and act in a bipartisan manner to safeguard the health of all Americans.

Additionally, the United States faces a severe nursing shortage along with a growing need for more health care services and research. The budget approved by Congress must address those issues and reflect that reality.