Washington, D.C. - Today, Oregon's U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) introduced a bicameral resolution recognizing 2026 as ''The Year of The Power of Nurses'' in celebration of the 130^th anniversary of the American Nurses Association. (ANA).

"Our nurses make the world better, one bedside at a time. They provide critical support and advocacy for patients at some of the most difficult and joyous moments of their lives," said Senator Merkley, Co-Chair of the Senate Nursing Caucus. "As the husband of a nurse, I've seen up-close how difficult nurses' jobs are and how important they are to patients. For over 130 years, the American Nurses Association (ANA) has fought to ensure these heroes have the resources and support necessary to help save lives. With this resolution, we honor the ANA's commitment and dedication to the nursing profession so nurses can continue to care for patients and their families for many more years to come."

"For 130 years, the American Nurses Association has represented nurses who are providing high-quality clinical care, engaging in policy advocacy, and leading in their communities across the country," said Representative Underwood, Vice Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus. "As a registered nurse, I know the importance of supporting nurses at every stage of their education, training, and careers, and I am so proud to honor this milestone."

"As we celebrate the ANA's 130^th anniversary, we honor more than a century of nurses leading with courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to patients and communities," said Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, president of the American Nurses Association. "With 2026 officially declared 'The Year of The Power of Nurses,' we are elevating the undeniable impact nurses have had on health, innovation, and policy for generations, and reaffirming our promise to invest in, protect, and amplify the nursing workforce for many years to come."

As leaders of the Senate and House Nursing Caucuses, Merkley and Underwood have long championed legislative efforts to support the more than 5 million registered nurses across the United States and address the challenges facing the nursing workforce. Merkley is the husband of a nurse, and Underwood is one of three nurses currently serving in Congress.

Full text of the resolution can be found by clicking here.

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