ENA Washington Update - November 2025
News You Can Use
Federal Government Shutdown Comes to an End
On Nov. 12, the president’s signature on a government funding bill ended the longest federal government shutdown in the nation’s history.
The shutdown impacted emergency nurses in a number of ways, including slowdowns in federal funding for education and training programs, a curtailment of medical research and a disruption in the work of the CDC and the Health Resources and Services Administration. The bill extends funding at the fiscal year 2025 level until January 30. It also included bipartisan appropriations bills covering the Food and Drug Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, military construction, and the legislative branch.
Work can now continue on the passage of other funding bills, including the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education bill, which supports funding for federal health care programs except for Medicare and Medicaid.
Additionally, Congress is expected to vote next month on whether to extend COVID-19-era subsidies for people who buy their insurance on the ACA marketplace. If the subsidies expire, the cost of coverage for people who qualified for the expanded subsidies will increase, risking the loss of coverage for millions of Americans. The resulting increase in uncompensated care would likely result in patients forgoing preventive care and could further worsen the financial stability of EDs around the country.
ENA released a statement calling for Congress to renew efforts to fund key ENA-supported programs and to pass legislation of vital importance to emergency nurses. Click here to read ENA's statement.
ENA State Leaders: Got a State Bill to Track?
Contact ENA Government Relations and let us know the bill number - gov@ena.org
EN411 Grassroots Advocacy
Members of Congress need to hear from their constituents – this means you!
Action Alerts highlight ENA’s priorities before the House and Senate. Through the links below, you can send a letter or X post to your member of Congress.
The Nursing Shortage is Real. Title VIII Programs Provide Real Support.
Emergency Nurses are Under Attack! A Federal Criminal Law Could Help Deter Violence.
Boarding and Overcrowding Have Been Problems for Years. Let’s Do Something About It.
MISSION ZERO Is Popular, Innovative, and Needs to be Reauthorized. Learn More
Workplace Violence Has No Cure. Tell Congress to Do More to Fight It!
Support Tyler’s Law to Effectively Implement Fentanyl Testing in EDs!
Support the Reauthorization of Programs to Combat Emergency Nurse Burnout!
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Datebook
Upcoming Government Relations and Advocacy Events:
2026
Jan. 29-30 ENA Leadership Conference 2026 Learn More
April 28-29 Day on the Hill - Save the Date
The Emergency Nurses Association is the premier professional nursing association dedicated to defining the future of emergency nursing through advocacy, education, research, innovation, and leadership. Founded in 1970, ENA has proven to be an indispensable resource to the global emergency nursing community. With nearly 45,000 members worldwide, ENA advocates for patient safety, develops industry-leading practice standards and guidelines and guides emergency health care public policy. ENA members have expertise in triage, patient care, disaster preparedness, and all aspects of emergency care. Additional information is available at www.ena.org.