Congressional appropriations for nursing programs rise

In December, Congress passed two minibus spending bills, which include gains for nursing in fiscal year 2020. The bipartisan spending package increased funding for Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs by $10.5 million. Funding for the National Institute of Nursing Research rose by $169 million. Both increases are roughly 4% higher than 2019 funding levels. An additional $25 million was earmarked for gun violence research, the first such funding in 20 years. Congress also authorized $12 million for loan repayments for professionals preparing to treat substance use disorder. (AACN Washington Weekly story, 12/18/19)