Statement by the American Nurses Association on The Importance of Nursing Specific Science and Research and the Leaked FY 2026 HHS Budget Proposal
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Nursing-specific science and research is uniquely positioned to inform the health care delivery system on evidence-based approaches to patient-centered, quality care that meets the needs of patients as effectively and efficiently as possible. Since its inception, the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) has funded groundbreaking research, including palliative and end-of-life care, elevating nursing science within the National Institutes of Health, training the next generation of nurse scientists, and championing person-centered care. It is imperative that the Trump Administration ensures the uninterrupted continuation of the vital work of NINR.
“The American Nurses Association (ANA) is deeply concerned about the recent reports surrounding the leaked draft FY 2026 proposed budget for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), specifically the elimination of National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) and deep cuts to Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs," expressed American Nurses Association President Dr. Jennifer Mensik-Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN. “ANA firmly believes that NINR plays a vital role in ensuring that research guided by nurses’ education, experiences, and clinical training continue to enable our overall health care system to improve and be driven by evidence.”
“As America’s most trusted profession for the past 20 years, nurses are concerned about the ability of a restructured HHS, without the NINR, to pursue nurse-specific approaches that answer the challenges and demanding needs of our healthcare system and the patients we serve. While we respect and value our physician colleagues, they are trained in a different care model and do not share similar clinical experiences or relationships with patients as nurses do. We urge the Administration to reconsider this elimination and safeguard funding for NINR when its FY2026 budget proposal is released, and we look forward to working with Congress to the same end,” Mensik-Kennedy continued.
In addition to eliminating NINR, the proposed budget framework directs elimination of several other health programs for savings, many of which are specific and vital to nurses. Specifically, the draft proposes to eliminate all Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs except for the Nurse Corps. In addition to nursing programs, the framework terminates maternal and child, substance use, mental health, and other key public health programs. ANA urges Secretary Kennedy and the Trump Administration to reconsider the value and immeasurable benefits yielded by NINR, Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs, and other health programs relative to their cost when submitting the FY2026 budget proposal.
Further, ANA is grateful for the broad bipartisan support these programs have historically received from Congress and will work closely with lawmakers to safeguard funding for these programs during the FY2026 appropriations process.
ANA remains committed to advocating for the nursing profession, our members and patient care. We stand ready to actively engage with key stakeholders and policymakers to protect the health of the public and preserve the vital research that supports high-quality patient care.
Federal health agencies must have the necessary staff and resources to carry out the public health, research, quality, and operational work that the American people rely on for their health, safety, and well-being. ANA stands ready to work with the Trump Administration, Secretary Kennedy, and other HHS leaders to work together on solutions and identify ways to advance the health of all Americans.