Supporting the goals and ideals of "National Nurses Week", to be observed from May 6 through May 12, 2026.

Summary of H.Res. 1264 (119th Congress, 2nd Session)

Purpose and intent

• A House of Representatives resolution recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, to be observed from May 6 through May 12, 2026.
• The bill honors the contributions of nurses to the U.S. health care system and encourages nationwide observance through recognition, ceremonies, activities, and programs.

Key provisions and changes

• Non-binding resolution that:
  • Reiterates support for the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week as established by the American Nurses Association.
  • Acknowledges the significant contributions of nurses to the U.S. health care system.
  • Encourages the American public to observe National Nurses Week with appropriate recognition and activities.
• Substantive content highlights:
  • Emphasizes the role of nurses on the front lines in safe, high-quality health care, including during wartime, natural disasters, and public health emergencies.
  • Highlights nurses as patient advocates and the largest single component of the health care workforce (over 5,000,000 registered nurses in the U.S.).
  • Notes the leadership role of nurses in a team-based health care delivery model and their impact on patient outcomes and safety.
  • References Institute of Medicine/National Academy of Medicine reports on nursing leadership and workforce development.
  • Points to the economic and health outcomes benefits of increased nurse staffing.
  • Stresses that nursing research spans clinical, health systems/outcomes, and education research, contributing to improved health status.
  • Asserts nurses’ role in public health infrastructure, disease prevention, and health promotion, and their collaboration with policymakers.

Who/what would be affected

• Nurses and the broader health care community as beneficiaries through heightened recognition and potential emphasis on workforce development.
• The general public, which would be encouraged to participate in observance activities during National Nurses Week.
• Policy discussions related to nursing education, recruitment, retention, and workforce development may be informed by the emphasis placed in the resolution.

Procedural and timeline aspects

• Introduced in the House on May 7, 2026, by Rep. Joyce (for herself and co-sponsors Reps. Bonamici, Kiggans, Underwood).
• Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• Observance window set for May 6–May 12, 2026, in alignment with National Nurses Week and Florence Nightingale’s birthday.

Sponsorship

• Primary sponsor: Rep. Joyce (Ohio).
• Co-sponsors: Rep. Bonamici (OR), Rep. Kiggans (VA), Rep. Underwood (IL).

Practical takeaway

• H.Res. 1264 is a symbolic, non-binding measure intended to honor nurses, highlight their critical role in health care, and encourage public participation in National Nurses Week. It underscores nursing workforce development, patient safety, and the value of nurse-led research and leadership in the health care system.