Sent on behalf of ANA CEO, Angela Beddoe.
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Week of April 28, 2025
100 Days In. This week marks 100 days since President Trump was sworn in for his second term. Much has happened over the past few months in the healthcare space, most notably the restructuring of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. The American Nurses Association (ANA) continues to monitor and assess the impact of the restructure and related developments. We are also watching closely for the release of the HHS budget and to what extent Congress will adopt any proposed changes or reductions when the request is submitted.
Congress Back in Session. Both chambers of Congress are back in session this week after a two-week Easter recess. The House of Representatives began work on the next phase of the budget reconciliation process, which aims to extend the 2017 tax cuts and advance other aspects of President Trump's budget. Several House committees have approved their respective budget bills that eventually will be rolled into one large budget reconciliation bill. ANA is monitoring the House Energy and Commerce Committee, as it continues to grapple with finding $880 billion in cuts to programs under their jurisdiction-including potential cuts or reforms to the Medicaid program. It remains to be seen whether their bill will be ready in time for next week's planned vote. ANA's Government Affairs team continues to meet with congressional offices to underscore the importance of preserving and supporting Title VIII nursing workforce development programs, Medicaid, and other key nursing priorities and programs.
SUPPORT Act Reauthorization Passes Committee. The Energy and Commerce Committee approved Tuesday the ANA-supported SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 2483). This bill reauthorizes a series of prevention, treatment, and recovery programs that support patients with substance use disorders first passed into law in 2018.
VA Mental Health in Focus. The House Veterans Committee's Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing yesterday to examine the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) mental health policies. The hearing featured several high-level officials from the Veterans Health Administration and the VA. Across Capitol Hill, the Senate VA Committee held a hearing Tuesday to discuss several bills aiming to support non-clinical suicide prevention programs for veterans.
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Nicole DeMers
Association and Board Services Manager
AAACN
Pitman, NJ
856.256.2359
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