U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) on Monday helped lead his colleagues in announcing the relaunch of the Congressional Nursing Caucus, a bipartisan group of legislators dedicated to advancing policies that support the nation’s 4.2 million registered nurses.
“At a time when our country faces a nursing workforce shortage, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, legislators on both sides of the aisle must come together to advance common-sense solutions to bolster the workforce and encourage more Americans to enter this critically important profession,” Rep. Joyce said on Monday.
The congressman joins U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) as caucus co-chairs, while U.S. Reps. Lauren Underwood (D-IL) and Jen Kiggans (R-VA) serve as vice-chairs of the caucus, according to their joint April 10 statement.
“As the husband of a nurse, I know firsthand that the millions of men and women working throughout the United States as nurses are the backbone of our nation’s healthcare system,” said Rep. Joyce. “I am incredibly proud to once again serve as the co-chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus, working alongside a strong team of bipartisan leaders who are determined to help address the challenges facing America’s nursing workforce.”
The Congressional Nursing Caucus is made up of over 40 members of Congress from both sides of the aisle. During this Congress, the caucus plans to work on issues such as helping to address the nation’s nursing shortage, bolstering the workforce pipeline, and providing nurses with more resources and tools, according to information provided by the caucus leaders.
“Our healthcare system needs and relies on the care and dedication of nurses,” said Rep. Bonamici. “Nurses need our support, especially when it comes to growing the workforce. I’m pleased to co-chair the bipartisan Congressional Nursing Caucus to help elevate the voice of nurses and advance policies that lead to better health and wellness.”
The addition of Reps. Underwood and Kiggans as vice-chairs marks the first time that the caucus’ leadership includes a registered nurse and former nurse, respectively, says the information.
The American Nurses Association, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing thanked the caucus members for their leadership and support in Congress.