Congress Declares 2026 “Year of the Power of Nurses” for ANA’s 130th Anniversary

A bicameral resolution introduced in Congress officially recognizes 2026 as "The Year of The Power of Nurses" in celebration of the 130th anniversary of the American Nurses Association. The resolution, H. Res. 1010, was submitted in the House by Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL), a registered nurse and Vice Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus, on January 20, 2026.

A companion Senate resolution, S. Res. 583, was introduced by Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon on January 15, 2026. Together, the resolutions represent a formal federal acknowledgment of the nursing profession's impact on health care, public health, and communities across the country.

The resolution comes at a significant moment for the profession. There are now approximately 5.87 million active nurses in the United States, making nursing the largest segment of the health care workforce. It also arrives as the profession continues to grapple with staffing shortages, burnout, and a wave of retirements.

A Nurse in Congress Champions the Profession

Rep. Underwood is one of only three nurses currently serving in Congress and made history as the youngest Black woman ever elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Michigan and a Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.

"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," Underwood said in a statement. "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."

Sen. Merkley, who chairs the Senate Nursing Caucus and is the husband of a nurse, echoed that support. "Our nurses make the world better, one bedside at a time," Merkley said. "They provide critical support and advocacy for patients at some of the most difficult and joyous moments of their lives."

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130 Years of the American Nurses Association

The ANA, founded in 1896, is the oldest professional nursing organization in the country. For over a century, the ANA has set the standards for nursing practice, advocated for safe working conditions, and shaped health policy at the federal level. Its foundational documents, including the Code of Ethics for Nurses and the Scope and Standards of Practice, continue to define the profession.

ANA President Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, marked the occasion: "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," she said.

ANA Enterprise CEO Angela Beddoe added: "Celebrating 130 years of excellence in service to nurses is a powerful reminder of our enduring strength, our passion and commitment to the nursing profession," according to the ANA press release.

What the Resolution Says

H. Res. 1010 calls on the House of Representatives to formally recognize "The Year of The Power of Nurses" and honor "the extraordinary contributions of nurses to the health, safety, and prosperity of the United States of America."

The resolution highlights that nurses have been "on the frontlines of every major health challenge," from pandemics to primary care delivery, groundbreaking research, and health policy. It describes "The Power of Nurses" as representing the "enduring strength, leadership, and expertise of nurses," recognizing their roles as clinicians, educators, mentors, innovators, and changemakers.

After its introduction, H. Res. 1010 was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The Senate companion, S. Res. 583, was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

What Nurses Need to Know

While resolutions like H. Res. 1010 are symbolic and do not carry the force of law, they matter. Federal recognition of "The Year of The Power of Nurses" sends a clear signal that legislators are paying attention to the profession, its contributions, and its challenges. For the more than 5 million registered nurses in the United States, this is a public acknowledgment from Congress of what you already know: nurses are the backbone of health care.

This type of recognition can also help build momentum for substantive legislation. Rep. Underwood and Sen. Merkley, as leaders of the Congressional Nursing Caucus, have a track record of championing bills related to nurse staffing, education funding, and workplace safety. Symbolic resolutions often serve as a foundation for future policy action.

For nurses looking to get involved, the ANA's 130th anniversary celebration is expected to include events, advocacy opportunities, and programming throughout 2026. Check with your state nursing association for local initiatives tied to "The Year of The Power of Nurses."

🤔 What does "The Year of the Power of Nurses" mean to you? How would you like to see Congress go beyond symbolic recognition and take action on the issues that matter most to nurses? Share your thoughts in the comments below.