Underwood-Backed Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen the Nursing Workforce Passes the House

WASHINGTON— Yesterday, bipartisan legislation supported by Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) passed the House of Representatives. The Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2019 (H.R. 728) amends Title VII of the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize funding for programs and grants that support the recruitment and retention of professionals for our nation's nursing workforce. The legislation ensures the nurses have access to critical education, recruitment, and retention resources through the Fiscal Year 2024 to meet the needs of the nation's growing health care demands.

"Nurses are at the forefront of promoting public health and providing quality, affordable health care, it's essential that we continue to support the nursing workforce," said Rep. Underwood. "As a nurse, I'm proud to support this bipartisan legislation that invests in the education and retention of nursing professionals who keep our nation healthy."

The legislation is supported by in the House by Representatives David Joyce (OH-14), Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Rodney Davis (IL-13), Doris Matsui (CA-06), Kathy Castor (FL-14), and David McKinley (WV-01).

Title VIII programs directly invest in our nation's health by addressing specific needs within the nursing workforce and America's patient population. Importantly, Title VIII programs help strengthen the nursing workforce by providing nursing education at all levels, and provide support for institutions that educate nurses for practice in rural and medically underserved communities.

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