Arrington secures provisions in federal funding bill

U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington played a key role in shaping the federal funding package that ended a partial government shutdown earlier this month.

On February 3, President Donald Trump officially enacted the Consolidated Appropriations Act, H.R. 7148, into law. The sweeping spending measure funds federal agencies and programs and includes several provisions backed by Arrington, a Republican from Lubbock.

New measures have been introduced that focus on enhancing access to early cancer detection and reducing prescription drug prices for the American public.

Arrington’s office said the cancer-related provision seeks to improve screening and detection efforts, with the goal of identifying diseases earlier when treatment is more effective and less costly. A new drug pricing measure aims to lower out-of-pocket expenses and enhance affordability for patients dependent on prescription medications.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act functions as a comprehensive funding bill, consolidating various appropriations measures into a single package aimed at ensuring the continued operation of the federal government. In a decisive move, lawmakers have approved a measure aimed at preventing further disruptions to federal services, following a recent partial government shutdown triggered by ongoing budget negotiations.

Arrington has emphasized health care affordability and access as key priorities during his time in Congress. His office said the additions to H.R. Efforts to tackle escalating medical expenses and enhance preventive care alternatives continue to be a focal point, as evidenced by the recent developments surrounding 7148.

The bill’s passage ends weeks of uncertainty for federal employees and agencies affected by the shutdown and sets funding levels for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Further details on the implementation of the cancer detection and drug pricing provisions are expected as federal agencies begin to roll out guidance under the new law.