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The federal funding will be used to create housing, help qualified families with affordable housing, fund homelessness programs, train medical professionals, undertake important genetic research, and preserve jobs in the arts community.

“The Ninth District is home to some first-class colleges and universities, but for too many the dream of a higher education has been out of reach. With college costs skyrocketing out of control, we have the responsibility to do everything we can to help students and parents afford tuition,” Congressman Cohen said. “At a time when recent college graduates are struggling to find a job in this economy, these new benefits will provide a little bit of financial breathing room each month.”

The Cohen-Provision was included in H.R. 2996, the Fiscal Year 2010 Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. HR 2996 passed this afternoon by a vote of 254-173 and now will be considered by the U.S. Senate.

“Our district is home to many historic and cultural landmarks that helped to shape the story of America. By increasing national funding for this important grant program, the Ninth District will have an even greater chance to preserve our community’s unique history for generations to come,” Congressman Cohen said.

Current law, 10 U.S.C. 1482, limits who can be designated by a service member to oversee the disposition of remains to a spouse, blood relative, or adoptive parent. The Cohen Amendment would require the Pentagon to initiate a study to examine the effects of expanding the current statute to include other people, including foster parents, friends or fellow soldiers.

This afternoon the House of Representatives voted to pass – with Congressman Cohen’s strong support – legislation that will secure timely health care funding for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act authorizes Congress to approve veterans’ medical care funding one year in advance to better anticipate, and meet the demand for, veterans’ health care services. The advanced funding will give the VA up to a full year to plan for the most effective and efficient way to deliver medical care.