Nursing Shortage Risk: Cuts to these programs could worsen the nursing workforce shortage by limiting educational pathways (like loan forgiveness, faculty development, and diversity initiatives). Research Impact: Eliminating NINR could slow down nursing research, which has implications for patient care innovation and evidence-based practice.

Equity Concerns: Programs like the Nursing Workforce Diversity Program help bring underrepresented students into nursing — cutting them could reduce diversity in the profession.

Long-Term Healthcare: Less investment in education now could weaken the future nursing workforce, which impacts healthcare quality and access.