When Nurses in Power Vote Against Public Health Interests

I decided to write this for three reasons... First, because I heard a particular national nurse leader thought I was too outspoken... I'm flattered that she reads my content and has an opinion... Second, the American Nurses Association elected not to endorse presidential candidates despite knowing the harm to the public and unable to mobilize 4 million+ nurses, and third, is because I know most of our nursing organizations are still tending to their wounds after what I would say was a well-curated show for the rest of us. Unable to pivot to the changes in D.C., having not read the room and not understanding the new rules of the game... unable to capitalize on the "The #1 Trusted Profession" banner that has created complacency above all else... No surprise H.R. 1 passed with the jubilant assistance of two of our own...

Two of the three nurses currently serving in Congress, Rep. Sheri Biggs (R‑SC) and Rep. Jen Kiggans (R‑VA), voted yes on H.R. 1, also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” This bill has been widely criticized for rolling back access to healthcare, gutting public health protections, and advancing partisan priorities over people-centered policy.

As nurses, we are bound by a Code of Ethics that centers on the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. As a profession, we strive to recognize and mitigate the social determinants of health, uphold equitable access to care, advocate for the vulnerable, and defend evidence-based practice, NOT IDEOLOGY.

So what happens when two elected officials with nursing credentials cast votes that seemingly contradict those principles?

It raises real concerns about professional accountability overall AND in policymaking. Titles alone, like “RN” or “NP,” should not grant immunity from critique. In fact, they demand greater scrutiny from the profession because nurses in power are expected to bring the voice of health equity and patient advocacy to the policymaking table.

This is not about a political party. It’s about professional integrity and the public trust. Remember... #1 Trusted Profession!!!

If nurses in Congress support legislation that undermines access to care, limits health protections, or erodes science-informed policy, we must speak up. Silence implies consent.

Let’s be clear: not all votes by nurse-legislators are votes for nursing values.