Merkley, Wicker, Joyce, Bonamici, Underwood, Kiggans Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution Marking National Nurses Week 2026

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) teamed up with U.S. Representatives Dave Joyce (R-OH-14), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), and Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02) to introduce a bipartisan, bicameral resolution honoring National Nurses Week. National Nurses Week 2026 is celebrated from May 6 through 12.

The National Nurses Week 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. The resolution also highlights the extra care nurses provide in treating injured and sick patients during wartime, natural disasters, and public health emergencies.

"As the husband of a nurse, I've seen how difficult nurses' jobs are and how important they are to patients," said Senator Merkley, Co-Chair of the Senate Nursing Caucus. "In every corner of Oregon, nurses offer vital care, support, and advocacy to patients and their families during challenging times. Let's pause this week to express gratitude for and honor the nurses in our communities for their unwavering skill, commitment, and compassion. We must remain dedicated to providing them with the support necessary to continue their life-saving work."

"Nurses are essential to our nation's health care system," said Senator Wicker, Co-Chair of the Senate Nursing Caucus. "They ensure patients receive timely and quality care, and their dedication is unmatched. Our country needs more of these heroes, and I hope more young people will consider joining the nursing profession. This resolution is a small token of our gratitude for their service."

"The nursing community's tireless work and advocacy for patients keep our healthcare system running. As the husband of a nurse, I've seen firsthand how much pride they take in providing top-notch care for patients," said Congressman Joyce, Co-Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus. "I'm proud to introduce this resolution and will continue working with my colleagues in Congress to implement common-sense policies that strengthen support for nurses and improve access and affordability across our healthcare system."

"This National Nurses Week, we celebrate the valuable contributions of our nursing workforce and call attention to the obstacles and challenges nurses face every day. Nurses provide essential, dedicated care across the country, and we must support their work while helping more people enter the field. As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Nursing Caucus, I will continue to advocate for policies nurses and aspiring nurses need, including affordable higher education," said Congresswoman Bonamici, Co-Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus.

"I am thrilled to introduce this resolution and recognize nurses for their incredible commitment, care, and contributions to our communities," said Congresswoman Underwood, Vice Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus. "Just one week ago, the Trump Administration undermined our profession by making it more difficult and more expensive for nurses to advance our education. But every day, across the country, nurses are providing high-quality clinical care, engaging in policy advocacy, and leading in our communities. National Nurses Week is an opportunity to show our thanks and recognition, and I look forward to continuing my work to support nurses at every stage of our education, training, and careers."

Congresswoman Kiggans, Vice Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus said, "Our nation's nurses are on the frontlines of healthcare every day. My experience as a geriatric nurse practitioner shaped my commitment to this profession and deepened my respect for those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. During National Nurses Week, we recognize not only their service, but their critical role in strengthening our healthcare system. I am proud to share their voices in Congress, and I look forward to continuing to work to ensure our nurses have the support they deserve."

As of 2025, there are more than 5 million registered nurses in the United States. However, despite this substantial number, the nursing sector faces pressing challenges, including a continuing shortage of nurses, burnout, and other mental health struggles, and the need for safer working conditions. According to the 2024 National Nursing Workforce Study released by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, more than 138,000 nurses left the workforce since 2022 due to stress, burnout, and retirement. This same study also outlined that by 2029, almost 40 percent of nurses intend to leave the workforce.

This week's resolution is a timely acknowledgment of the indispensable role nurses play in delivering quality care, advancing medical research, providing services to all communities and individuals, increasing access to nursing care, promoting healthy behaviors, and much more. The lawmakers' bipartisan resolution encourages Americans to recognize and celebrate National Nurses Week this year and to support our nursing workforce today and every day.

In addition to Merkley and Wicker, this resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Steve Daines (R-MT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jim Justice (R-WV), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Edward Markey (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), James Risch (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).

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