Heard on the Hill

January/February 2026 

NOVA released its 2026 Legislative Priority Goals for the second session of the 119^th Congress.

The goals represent NOVA’s perspective on critical priorities for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and underscore the continued importance of ensuring timely access to quality care and services for our Nation’s Veterans.

2026 Legislative Priority Goals

Funding

• Provide sufficient and timely funding to maintain ongoing access to care and support the hiring of healthcare staff, so that the VHA continues to operate effectively for our Veterans.

• Ensure any legislation or funding of Community Care does not diminish the high standard of care provided by the VHA to Veterans and certify that community care providers adhere to equivalent quality and training requirements.

• Evaluate, plan, and budget to ensure VA facilities are modernized to meet the needs of Veterans. 

VHA Reorganization

• Evaluate the proposed reorganization for enhanced coordination and transparency, ensuring that leadership and staff are informed and equipped to efficiently meet the needs of veterans.

Staffing/Retention and Recruitment

• Review staff levels and hire in all settings so VA can deliver timely access for all Veterans seeking care.

• Conduct yearly salary assessments for the nursing workforce (APRN, RN, LPN) to ensure that VHA remains competitive within local markets.

• Continue to support and revise qualifications levels for LPNs.

• Ensure entire workforce is offered ongoing opportunities for career advancement and professional development by providing continuing education and tuition support for ALL levels of nursing.

• Sustain continuous funding for existing RN and NP residency programs and include essential infrastructure to support the growth of future nursing workforce.

• Implement and support Full Practice Authority for CRNAs.

NOVA leaders and members are continuing to push for these policy changes and invite everyone to join us for our 2026 Hill Day on March 19,2026 in Washington D.C. We need your enthusiastic voices to urge Congress and the Administration to support priorities that ensure Veterans receive timely access to high-quality care.

To Register for Hill Day/ Hill Day Toolkit - 2025 Hill Day Toolkit

 2026 Legislative Priority Goals –- 2026 NOVA Legislative Priority Goals 2026 .docx^.