Rep. Lauren Underwood Calls on Congress to Declare 2026 “Year of the Power of Nurses”
A bicameral resolution introduced in Congress is aiming to officially recognize 2026 as “The Year of the Power of Nurses” in celebration of the 130th anniversary of the American Nurses Association (ANA).
The House resolution, H. Res. 1010, was submitted on January 20, 2026, by Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL), a registered nurse and Vice Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus, and has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
A companion measure, S. Res. 583, was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) on January 15, signaling bipartisan recognition of the nursing profession’s impact nationwide.
>>Listen to The Latest Nurse News Podcast
If adopted, the resolution would formally designate 2026 as “The Year of the Power of Nurses” and honor the profession’s contributions to the health, safety, and well-being of the United States.
The resolution emphasizes that nurses:
- Represent the largest segment of the U.S. healthcare workforce
- Serve as the backbone of the healthcare system
- Play critical roles as clinicians, educators, advocates, and innovators
It also highlights that for more than a century, nurses have been on the frontlines of every major health challenge, from pandemics to public health initiatives and policy leadership.
The designation coincides with a major milestone: the 130th anniversary of the American Nurses Association, founded in 1896.
For over a century, the ANA has shaped the profession through advocacy, education, and the development of standards that guide nursing practice nationwide.
The resolution describes this anniversary as an opportunity to:
- Celebrate the legacy and evolution of nursing
- Recognize nurses’ ongoing contributions to patient care and public health
- Reaffirm their essential role in shaping the future of healthcare
The resolution comes at a critical time for the profession. With approximately 5.87 million nurses in the United States, nursing remains the largest healthcare workforce, but one facing ongoing challenges, including staffing shortages, burnout, and retirements.
While the resolution is symbolic and does not carry the force of law, it represents a meaningful acknowledgment from federal lawmakers of the profession’s impact.
Symbolic measures like this can also help build momentum for future legislation related to nurse staffing, workforce development, and workplace safety.
H. Res. 1010 has been referred to committee in the House, where it will be reviewed before potentially advancing to a full vote.
If passed, 2026 would be officially recognized nationwide as a year dedicated to celebrating and elevating the power of nurses, honoring their compassion, expertise, and lasting impact on healthcare.
For nurses across the country, the message behind the resolution is clear:
Your work matters…and it’s being recognized at the highest levels.
