WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement on the provisions she secured for Tennessee in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed by the Senate:

“This year’s national defense bill will help safeguard U.S. national security and support our men and women in uniform by ensuring we are prepared for the formidable threats posed by foreign adversaries,” said Senator Blackburn. “Tennessee’s tens of thousands of service members and military installations play a vital role in that mission, and this legislation will modernize critical infrastructure, fund important research programs, and strengthen national security.”

2026 NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT

Below is a list of key priorities for Tennessee included in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Blackburn amendments included in NDAA

• ROUTERS Act: Requires U.S. Department of Commerce and National Telecommunications and Information Administration to study national security risks posed by consumer routers, modems, and devices that combine both.

• Quantum Readiness Strategy: Requires the U.S. Department of Defense to submit a strategy to Congress on quantum readiness, ensuring the U.S. is prepared to compete with foreign adversaries’ advances in quantum.

Fort Campbell modernization projects

• Replaces the current 49-year-old tower, which is the oldest tower on any power projection platform and is in desperate need of adequate height, space, and visibility for modern operations. 

• Provides modern housing for the 101st Airborne Division.

Arnold Air Force Base

• Upgrades Gate 2, enhancing base security and access control at the nation’s key test center for propulsion and hypersonics.

Army National Guard projects 

• Funding for planning and design to move the Tennessee National Guard from Berry Field to Smyrna Airport.

Research and development in Tennessee

• Expands Vanderbilt’s partnership with Army Futures Command to include Tennessee National Guard.

• Provides funding for Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Vanderbilt-led program to build secure, robust artificial intelligence models for use in autonomous vehicles.

• Sustains modernization and operations at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge.