Arkansas Sen. John Boozman backs law reauthorizing PREEMIE through 2030

Senators John Boozman and Michael Bennett supported the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act, which was signed into law as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 and extends federal funding for preterm birth research and related programs through 2030. Officials said the law allows the CDC and HRSA to continue researching premature births, collect data, and provide grants for risk-factor research and support services for pregnant people.

Arkansas Sen. John Boozman (R-AR) and Sen. Michael Bennett (D-CO) championed legislation that was signed into law to address preterm birth and infant mortality. The Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act extends funding through 2030. Officials said the measure was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026. The law continues federal research, data collection and grant programs intended to improve care and outcomes for preterm infants. Key facts: - The PREEMIE Reauthorization Act was signed into law as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026. - The act extends federal funding for PREEMIE programs through 2030. - Officials said the CDC and the Health Resources and Services Administration can continue researching and collecting data on premature births and supporting related programs. - The law provides grants to help physicians and the public better understand risk factors, including smoking, and to support screening and treatment for pregnant people with depression or substance use disorders, including opioid addiction. - Programs under PREEMIE had not been reauthorized since 2023, officials said. - The article notes that the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences received a $11.7 million award for maternal health research expansion and that there were separate congressional appropriations reported for program support. Summary: The law extends federal support for research and programs aimed at reducing preterm birth and improving outcomes for preterm infants through 2030. Undetermined at this time.