[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 30 (Thursday, February 13, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1078-S1079]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     SENATE RESOLUTION 500--SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF THE 
 ``INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE NURSE AND THE MIDWIFE'', AS DESIGNATED BY 
                     THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

  Mr. MERKLEY (for himself, Mr. Wicker, Mr. Jones, and Mr. Wyden) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions:

                              S. Res. 500

       Whereas the World Health Organization has designated 2020 
     as the ``International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife'';
       Whereas 2020--
       (1) marks the 200th birthday of Florence Nightingale, the 
     founder of modern nursing; and
       (2) is an appropriate time to reflect on the high-quality 
     health care that nurses and midwives provide in all settings 
     across the United States;
       Whereas, with approximately 4,000,000 registered nurses in 
     the United States and 20,700,000 registered nurses worldwide, 
     nurses and midwives--
       (1) represent nearly 50 percent of the global health 
     workforce; and
       (2) comprise the largest component of the health care 
     workforce in many countries;
       Whereas investing in nurses and midwives provides great 
     value to communities;
       Whereas a report of the High-Level Commission on Health 
     Employment and Economic Growth of the United Nations 
     concluded that ``investments in education and job creation in 
     the health and social sectors result in a triple return of 
     improved health outcomes, global health security, and 
     inclusive economic growth'';
       Whereas nurses and midwives have contributed to major 
     achievements in global health, including--
       (1) the eradication of smallpox; and
       (2) reductions in maternal and child mortality;
       Whereas nurses and midwives are known to be patient 
     advocates, acting to protect the lives of the individuals 
     under their care;
       Whereas nurses and midwives, in caring for patients and 
     their families in all stages of life, serve as vital members 
     of the health care workforce who improve patient outcomes and 
     safety;
       Whereas better integration of nurses and midwives into 
     health care systems is reducing primary and maternity care 
     provider shortages and improving maternal health outcomes;
       Whereas nurses promote healthy lifestyles and educate 
     communities on disease prevention and health promotion;
       Whereas nurses and midwives are well-positioned to address 
     and reduce health care disparities that exist in the United 
     States, including with respect to maternal health;
       Whereas many nurses are experienced researchers, and the 
     work of nurses encompasses a wide scope of scientific inquiry 
     relating to clinical science, health systems and outcomes, 
     and nursing education;
       Whereas nurses provide care that is sensitive to the 
     cultures and customs of individuals across the United States; 
     and
       Whereas many nurses can inform and work closely with 
     legislators to improve the--
       (1) recruitment, education, practice, and retention of 
     nurses; and
       (2) health and safety of the patients for whom nurses care 
     in all communities, including rural and underserved 
     communities: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) supports the goals and ideals of the ``International 
     Year of the Nurse and the Midwife'', as designated by the 
     World Health Organization;
       (2) recognizes the significant contributions of nurses and 
     midwives to the health care system in the United States; and
       (3) encourages the people of the United States to observe 
     the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife with 
     appropriate recognition, ceremonies, activities, and programs 
     to demonstrate the importance of nurses and midwives to 
     patients.

[[Page S1079]]

  

                          ____________________