U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici Honored with National Health Leadership Award by AANA
In a commendable recognition of her steadfast contributions to healthcare policy, the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) presented the National Health Leadership Award to U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) during their Mid-Year Assembly held from April 24 to 29, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The award acknowledges individuals at the federal level whose work significantly shapes national health policy, particularly emphasizing the crucial role Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) play in providing anesthesia services across multiple healthcare settings.
U.S. Rep. Bonamici has been serving Oregon's First Congressional District since 2012 and is a prominent member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, specifically on its Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development, as well as the Science, Space, and Technology Committee. Her dedication to nursing and healthcare is further highlighted through her co-chair role in the House Nursing Caucus. Throughout her tenure, she has been an ardent supporter of CRNAs and other Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), advocating for their interests in legislative settings.
One of her notable legislative efforts involves securing funding for Title VIII programs, essential for nursing education and workforce development. She is also a co-sponsor of significant legislative initiatives such as the Improving Care and Access to Nurses Act (ICAN Act) and the Ensuring Veterans Timely Access to Anesthesia Care Act. Recently, she spearheaded a bipartisan, bicameral letter sent to the Department of Education. This letter urged the department to reclassify future CRNAs and other nursing professionals as professional students, thereby enhancing their educational and professional standing.
Rep. Bonamici expressed gratitude for the honor, stating, "Anyone who has spent time in a hospital as a patient or visitor can tell you how important nurses are to providing patients with the care they need. I'm a steadfast supporter and cosponsor of the Improving Care and Access to Nurses Act... and I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress on additional ways to support nurses, including CRNAs." Her statement underscores her commitment to advancing healthcare access, improving care quality, and reducing costs through legislative reforms.
Jeff Molter, the AANA President, commended Rep. Bonamici's leadership, stating, "Through her leadership, Rep. Bonamici continues to be a champion for patients' access to healthcare... We are proud to recognize Rep. Bonamici for her service and contributions and thank her for her continued support." This recognition not only highlights the importance of legislative efforts in supporting health professionals but also emphasizes the vital role CRNAs play in delivering safe, quality anesthesia care to patients.
CRNAs administer over 58 million anesthetics annually in various environments, including hospitals, surgical centers, and military and veterans' healthcare facilities. Their expertise is essential in ensuring that patients receive safe anesthetic care regardless of the setting. The National Health Leadership Award, established in 1992, serves to honor those who advocate for policies that enhance the role of nurse anesthetists and improve healthcare delivery.
As healthcare continues to evolve, the recognition of healthcare leaders like Rep. Suzanne Bonamici provides inspiration for ongoing initiatives aimed at expanding nursing roles and advocating for patient rights and access to quality care. The work of AANA and its supporters highlights the critical interplay between legislative action and the advancement of healthcare services in America.
U.S. Rep. Bonamici has been serving Oregon's First Congressional District since 2012 and is a prominent member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, specifically on its Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development, as well as the Science, Space, and Technology Committee. Her dedication to nursing and healthcare is further highlighted through her co-chair role in the House Nursing Caucus. Throughout her tenure, she has been an ardent supporter of CRNAs and other Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), advocating for their interests in legislative settings.
One of her notable legislative efforts involves securing funding for Title VIII programs, essential for nursing education and workforce development. She is also a co-sponsor of significant legislative initiatives such as the Improving Care and Access to Nurses Act (ICAN Act) and the Ensuring Veterans Timely Access to Anesthesia Care Act. Recently, she spearheaded a bipartisan, bicameral letter sent to the Department of Education. This letter urged the department to reclassify future CRNAs and other nursing professionals as professional students, thereby enhancing their educational and professional standing.
Rep. Bonamici expressed gratitude for the honor, stating, "Anyone who has spent time in a hospital as a patient or visitor can tell you how important nurses are to providing patients with the care they need. I'm a steadfast supporter and cosponsor of the Improving Care and Access to Nurses Act... and I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress on additional ways to support nurses, including CRNAs." Her statement underscores her commitment to advancing healthcare access, improving care quality, and reducing costs through legislative reforms.
Jeff Molter, the AANA President, commended Rep. Bonamici's leadership, stating, "Through her leadership, Rep. Bonamici continues to be a champion for patients' access to healthcare... We are proud to recognize Rep. Bonamici for her service and contributions and thank her for her continued support." This recognition not only highlights the importance of legislative efforts in supporting health professionals but also emphasizes the vital role CRNAs play in delivering safe, quality anesthesia care to patients.
CRNAs administer over 58 million anesthetics annually in various environments, including hospitals, surgical centers, and military and veterans' healthcare facilities. Their expertise is essential in ensuring that patients receive safe anesthetic care regardless of the setting. The National Health Leadership Award, established in 1992, serves to honor those who advocate for policies that enhance the role of nurse anesthetists and improve healthcare delivery.
As healthcare continues to evolve, the recognition of healthcare leaders like Rep. Suzanne Bonamici provides inspiration for ongoing initiatives aimed at expanding nursing roles and advocating for patient rights and access to quality care. The work of AANA and its supporters highlights the critical interplay between legislative action and the advancement of healthcare services in America.
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