Registered Nurse Elected to Congress

First Registered Nurse Elected to Congress: Eddie Bernice Johnson

Eddie Bernice Johnson, a Registered Nurse, was the first nurse elected to the United States Congress. She has served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives since 1993, representing Texas’s 30th District. Johnson’s background in nursing provided her with unique insights into healthcare policies and the needs of underserved populations. Her healthcare experience has shaped her legislative priorities, especially concerning health care, education, and social justice issues.

Contributions and Policies Enacted

1. Mental Health Reform
   One of Johnson’s key legislative contributions was her advocacy for mental health reform. She has been a vocal proponent of improving access to mental health services, particularly for vulnerable populations. In 2003, she introduced the Youth Suicide Prevention Act, which aimed to provide funding and support for mental health services to prevent youth suicide. This legislation highlighted her commitment to addressing mental health as a significant public health issue.
2. STEM Education Promotion
   Johnson has also been a champion of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. She introduced the STEM Opportunities Act, focusing on increasing diversity in STEM fields, particularly for women and minorities. This policy was designed to reduce barriers and create more opportunities for underrepresented groups, ensuring equal access to education and employment in the rapidly growing STEM sectors.

Her work continues to emphasize the need for inclusive health and education policies that benefit underserved communities.

 

References

American Nurses Association. (2019). RN elected to U.S. Congress: Eddie Bernice Johnson. https://www.nursingworld.org/news/news-releases/2019/rn-elected-to-us-congress-eddie-bernice-johnson/

Johnson, E. B. (2020). Legislation authored by Congresswoman Johnson. https://ebjohnson.house.gov/