President Trump Signs Funding Package with Big Wins for Tennessee

Appropriations bill includes Blackburn's bills to lower drug costs and help Americans with disabilities

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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President Donald Trump signed a government funding package into law this week that includes several key wins for Tennessee championed by Senator Marsha Blackburn. The bill provides a pay raise for troops, invests in research and development, and strengthens communities across the state. It also includes Blackburn's legislation to lower prescription drug costs and protect Medicaid coverage for Americans with disabilities.

Why it matters

This appropriations package represents a significant legislative victory for Senator Blackburn and her constituents in Tennessee. The inclusion of her priority bills demonstrates her ability to deliver results for the state and advance key conservative policies at the federal level.

The details

The funding package provides resources for federal agencies like the Departments of War, Treasury, and Health and Human Services. It includes Blackburn-backed measures to lower drug prices, ensure Americans with disabilities can keep their Medicaid coverage, and empower Tennesseans to choose their own healthcare. The bill also includes critical funding for major research institutions in the state like Vanderbilt University and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

  • President Trump signed the government funding package into law this week.
  • Blackburn's bills to lower drug costs and protect Medicaid for Americans with disabilities were included in the final legislation.

The players

President Donald Trump

The President of the United States who signed the government funding package into law.

Senator Marsha Blackburn

A Republican Senator from Tennessee who championed several key provisions in the appropriations bill.

Vanderbilt University

A major research university in Tennessee that received funding through the appropriations package.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

A prominent U.S. Department of Energy research facility located in Tennessee that was allocated funding in the bill.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Senator Marsha Blackburn (clarksvilleonline.com)

What’s next

The Patients Before Middlemen Act, one of Blackburn's bills included in the funding package, will now go into effect to help lower prescription drug costs for seniors and other Americans.

The takeaway

This legislation represents a significant win for Senator Blackburn and her constituents in Tennessee, as she was able to secure key priorities like lowering drug prices and protecting Medicaid coverage. The funding for major research institutions also underscores her commitment to investing in the state's economic future.