Sen. Blackburn touts win for TN, priorities secured in 2026 National Defense bill

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn is touting a win for the Volunteer State after multiple Tennessee-centric priorities were secured in the 2026 National Defense Bill.

Blackburn said that upgrades to Arnold Air Force Base, money for relocation of the Tennessee National Guard and research and development projects were secured in the bill.

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“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,” Blackburn said.

“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.”

Below is a look at what was secured for Tennessee and Kentucky (Ft. Campbell), according to Blackburn’s office:

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.