Legislative Update February 2006

Legislative Update

February 2006

A C N P FORUM

Amy Demske, ACNP Representative The FY 2006 Labor, Health and Human Services

the disappearance of approximately $2 billion in ear-

(HHS), and Education appropriations package contains

marks for special pet projects, certain Republicans

critical funding for Title VII and VIII education and train-

pushed to reduce spending for mandatory govern-

ing programs for health professionals—including fund-

ment programs.

ing for nursing workforce programs. Because of the

Under the House version, Title VIII nursing

sheer size and scope of the programs encompassed

workforce programs received $150 million, and

in the legislation, the Labor, HHS, Education package

the Senate approved $155.7 million. In its first

is usually the most contentious and one of the last

attempt at an agreement, the Conference

pieces of legislation to pass before Congress adjourns

Committee approved $151.2 million for nursing

for the year. This year is no different.

programs—a 0.4% increase over last year.

The House and Senate were on track to pass the

While nursing programs have survived the ini-

spending bill early this year. The House passed its

tial stages of the Conference process, many

funding measure back on June 24, and the Senate

other important programs did not, such as Title

followed suit October 27. Once House and Senate

VII funding for physician education, which was

appropriators ironed out an agreement, it was

eliminated entirely.

expected to pass with little fanfare. However, in a surprise

turn

of

events,

the

House

of

ferees to go back to the drawing board and renegoti-

Representatives rejected the Conference Report by a

ate with the House, and now the bill will return to

vote of 209 to 224—a move that caught Republican

Conference Committee for additional work. It is

leaders off guard.

unclear what the final outcome of this legislation will

Unlike previous years, the House and Senate sub-

be and when a final outcome can be expected. It is

committee chairmen agreed to legislation that includ-

still possible that all programs, including those funded

ed no earmarks or member projects in this year’s

under Title VIII, will receive an across-the-board cut of

Labor, HHS, and Education package. In addition to

something over 1% in an effort to reduce spending.

ACNP National Clinical Conference

cont’d from page 134

ACNP’s host will be the Disney Coronado Springs

Conference via the ACNP website and take advan-

Resort, which combines the beauty, fantasy, and

tage of ACNP’s preferred rate of $129 single/

unique cultural elements of colonial Spain, Mexico,

double. This affordable rate will be available only for

and New Mexico. From the colorful spring-fed

reservations made through the ACNP Housing

Fountain of the Doves to the hidden treasures of the

Center. All the meetings and events associated with

Mayan-ruin-themed Dig Site pool, escape to a tran-

the 2006 National Clinical Conference will be held at

quil lakeside vacation destination unlike any other.

the Coronado Springs Resort.

Staying on this Disney property also allows you and

Be sure to check our website often for newly

your guests to have easy access to Walt Disney

announced speakers and programs; full program

World’s many attractions from a central location dur-

details will be available in upcoming issues of JNP.

ing your free time.

Visit www.acnpweb.org for the most up-to-date con-

Reserve your room at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort for the ACNP 2006 National Clinical 136

The Senate has agreed to a motion to instruct con-

ference information. See you in Orlando!