Bill · S. 3707· Senate(119-S-3707)
Nurse Faculty Shortage Reduction Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 1/27/2026
- Last activity
- 1/27/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S292-293)
- Sponsored by
- Richard Durbin
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Nurse Faculty Shortage Reduction Act of 2026 aims to establish a wage differential program to support new nursing school faculty. This program allows the Secretary to award grants to schools of nursing to supplement faculty salaries. These funds are intended to enhance the recruitment and retention of nursing faculty members. To be eligible, schools must provide specific salary and vacancy information and a plan for future sustainability. The Secretary will also prioritize schools based on need, service to vulnerable populations, and recruitment of underrepresented populations.
Yes· 3 of 9
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+4
By addressing the nursing faculty shortage, the bill aims to increase the overall supply of qualified nurses.
Does this put more money into public schools?+3
The bill provides grants to schools of nursing to supplement faculty salaries.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?+3
The bill provides priority to schools that demonstrate a focus on the recruitment and retention of faculty from underrepresented populations.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-1
The bill authorizes $15,000,000 in annual appropriations for the demonstration program.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Nursing Faculty Recruitment and Retention: The bill establishes a demonstration program where grants are used to supplement the salaries of eligible faculty members to help recruit and retain them (Section 2, subsection (c)(1)).
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Financial Support for Faculty Salary Gaps: Grants are designed to cover the difference between the average salary of nurses in clinical practice and the faculty member's salary, helping to bridge the pay gap (Section 2, subsection (c)(3)(A)).
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Support for Vulnerable Populations: Priority in awarding grants may be given to schools that have training or partnerships serving vulnerable patient populations, such as those located in health professional shortage areas (Section 2, subsection (c)(4)(B)).
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Diversity in Nursing Education: The program may prioritize applications from schools that demonstrate a focus on the recruitment and retention of faculty from underrepresented populations (Section 2, subsection (c)(4)(C)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Sustainability Concerns for Schools: Schools of nursing applying for the grant must provide a plan explaining how they will continue to fund the salary supplements after the 3-year grant period ends (Section 2, subsection (c)(2)(B)(iv)).
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Temporary Nature of Support: The grant is awarded annually for a period of up to 3 years, which may create uncertainty regarding long-term salary levels once the grant period concludes (Section 2, subsection (c)(3)(A)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For African Americans+2Good For Asian Americans+2Good For Hispanic Americans+2Good For Low Income Households+2Good For Women+2
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+4
- Education And Technology
- Increases Public School Funding+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+3
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3Reduces Government Spending-1
- 1/27/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S292-293)
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Lisa MurkowskiRepublican · Alaska