John Boozman

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An earmark secured by U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., will provide $13.3 million to expand Arkansas' "health data infrastructure," the state Department of Health announced Friday.

The money for the Health Department was included as part of the $1.2 trillion spending bill signed by President Trump on Tuesday that ended a partial government shutdown.

The Health Department's allocation will support "transformation projects to improve data sharing, telehealth services, provider connectivity, and electronic medical record modernization," primarily for medical facilities in Central and Northwest Arkansas, the department said in a news release.

The Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2026 had a contentious route to approval, clearing the House of Representatives by a 217-214 vote in which 21 Republicans and 21 Democrats each crossed the aisle. The legislation passed the Senate late last week by a 71-29 vote.

All six members of Arkansas' all-Republican congressional delegation voted in favor of the package.

"This investment will help modernize and strengthen Arkansas's healthcare infrastructure, which is key to making quality care accessible in every corner of the state," Boozman, of Rogers, said in the release. "I was proud to secure this funding to bolster public health, enhance the systems our medical community relies on, and ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly to deliver lasting benefits for Arkansans."

Officials said the $13.3 million would be used to purchase clinical practice technology and remote patient health tools, as well as upgrading telehealth and electronic medical records.

"Modern healthcare depends on modern systems, and this $13.3 million investment uses best-in-class technology to help close the gap between patients and providers -- no matter where they live," Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in the release. "By strengthening telehealth, provider connectivity, and health data systems, we're supporting rural hospitals and clinics while improving healthcare delivery statewide. I'm thankful for Senator John Boozman and the Arkansas congressional delegation for securing this funding and delivering real results for our state."

The money will also bolster the Arkansas State Health Alliance for Record Exchange, a health data-sharing product of the department's Office of Health Information Technology.

"Arkansas is demonstrating how smart, coordinated investments in health data can improve care delivery, strengthen public health, and better serve communities across our state," state Health Secretary Renee Mallory said in the release.

The money is part of $446.6 million secured by members of Arkansas' congressional delegation through the spending bill signed into law by Trump on Tuesday as well as one signed into law on Jan. 23, according to an Arkansas Democrat-Gazette analysis of the requests.

The two laws include funding through September for most federal agencies, with one notable exception being the Department of Homeland Security, which is funded through Feb. 13. Many congressional Democrats have called for restrictions on federal agents after Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers fatally shot two protesters in Minneapolis last month.