A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, to be observed from May 6 through May 12, 2026.

Bill Number: S.Res. 709
Origin Chamber: Senate
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Health
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-04-30: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S2175)
Last Updated: 2026-05-21T14:54:06Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 709) expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, to be observed annually from May 6 (National Recognition Day for Nurses) through May 12 (Florence Nightingale's birthday), specifically for 2026. It highlights nurses' vital role in health care through a series of "Whereas" clauses praising their contributions.

Key Provisions

Supports National Nurses Week as established by the American Nurses Association.
Recognizes nurses' significant contributions to the U.S. health care system, including frontline care during emergencies, patient advocacy, research, leadership in team-based care, and public health promotion.
Encourages the public to observe the week with ceremonies, activities, and programs to honor nurses' importance in daily patient lives.

The resolution lists numerous "Whereas" statements emphasizing:

Nurses as the largest health care group (over 5 million registered nurses).
Their impact on reducing patient risks and costs through adequate staffing.
Needs for stronger workforce development, education, and research.
Nurses' role across all life stages and as the most trusted profession.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

None. This is a non-binding resolution that does not create, amend, or repeal any laws; it is symbolic and expressive.

Potential Impacts

Minimal legal or operational effects on government agencies, as it lacks enforcement power.
Raises public awareness about nurses' roles, potentially boosting morale, recruitment, and support for nursing education/retention.
No direct impact on citizens or international relations; indirectly promotes health care appreciation.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Nurses and nursing organizations (e.g., American Nurses Association): Primary beneficiaries of recognition.
Health care providers and patients: Acknowledges nurses' frontline and advocacy roles.
Public and legislators: Encouraged to participate in observances and support nursing improvements.
Bipartisan cosponsors (e.g., Merkley, Wicker, Barrasso) from both parties signal broad political support.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

No legal or constitutional issues: As a simple resolution, it requires no presidential approval and has no force of law.
Political significance: Demonstrates rare bipartisan unity (29 cosponsors) on valuing health care workers; referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions for consideration.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

Cosponsors (24)

Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS], Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY], Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND], Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA], Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO], Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI], Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV], Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM], Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI], Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID], Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN], Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC], Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]

Recent Actions

2026-04-30: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S2175)
2026-04-30: Submitted in Senate

Bill Versions

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, to be observed from May 6 through May 12, 2026. — issued 2026-04-30 — PDF (4 pages)