Blackburn Touts Wins for Tennessee in Government Funding Package Signed into Law by President Trump

"This appropriations package will provide a pay raise for American troops, invest in the next generation, accelerate critical research and development projects, and strengthen communities in Tennessee and across America," said Senator Blackburn. "In addition to moving federal agencies off of a bloated Biden-era budget and onto a Trump budget, this package includes my bills to lower the cost of prescription drugs, ensure Americans with disabilities aren't forced to retire to keep their Medicaid coverage, and empower Tennesseans to choose the health care that works for them."

WINS FOR TENNESSEE

• Funding for Vanderbilt University and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory to develop secure, reliable, and trustworthy AI models intended for development by the Air Force in real-world autonomous systems and operations.

• Funding for the Vanderbilt University Pathfinder-Air Assault program that supports an expansion of this successful project with special forces units stationed at Fort Campbell to include the Tennessee National Guard.

• Funding for the University of Tennessee System to improve recovery outcomes for wounded service members and reduce the need for follow-on surgeries.

• Funding for the University of Memphis test facility for unmanned aerial and autonomous systems to support the U.S. Department of War's priorities and strengthen workforce development in the region.

• Funding for a new University of Memphis-based hypersonics ground test facility developed with the Naval Surface Warfare Center that will strengthen the local defense industrial base.

• Funding for a partnership between the University of Tennessee, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and industry partners to advance next-generation batteries, materials, and charging systems for electrified vertical take-off and landing unmanned aircraft.

• Funding for Oak Ridge National Laboratory to strengthen domestic defense supply chains and accelerate next-generation aerospace and hypersonics production.

• Funding for Fort Campbell to convert organic waste into onsite energy, reducing operational costs, improving installation resilience, and supporting Army sustainability priorities.

• Provision authorizing Tennessee to make Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Program payments through Fiscal Year 2027. This program provides crucial federal financial assistance to hospitals serving a large number of Medicaid and uninsured patients.

• Provision encouraging the Federal Highway Administration to continue working with theTennessee Department of Transportation and local stakeholders to advance the completion of I-69 in West Tennessee.

BACKGROUND

The appropriations package includes the following legislation sponsored by Senator Blackburn:

• Patients Before Middleman Act: Lowers the cost of prescription drugs by delinking the compensation of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from drug price and utilization. It also ensures fair treatment of all pharmacies by requiring Medicare Part D plans to contract with any willing pharmacy that meets reasonable terms and conditions.

• Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-in Programs Act: Ensures working Americans with disabilities are not forced to retire to keep their Medicaid coverage and benefits.

Sustainable Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Services in the Home Act: Extends certain in-home cardiopulmonary rehabilitation flexibilities established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The appropriations package includes the following short-term extensions of provisions from legislation co-sponsored by Senator Blackburn:

• Telehealth Modernization Act: Extends telehealth access for Americans enrolled in Medicare.

• Preserving Patient Access to Accountable Care Act: Extends incentive payments for Medicare clinicians who participate in qualifying alternative payment models that tie reimbursement to quality performance and financial accountability.

• Senior Savings Protection Act: Ensures low-income seniors, people with disabilities, and caregivers can access personalized guidance to navigate Medicare, helping to lower their health care costs and get the care they deserve.

Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act: Expands hospitals' at-home-care programs by extending the Acute Hospital at Home Waiver program, which currently allows thousands of Americans to safely receive hospital-level care in their homes.

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