Congressman Cohen Secures Funding For The Fight Against Infant Mortality
July 24, 2009
Working with Appropriations Chairman David Obey (D-WI), Congressman Cohen succeeded in getting an additional $1 million for The National Center for Health Statistics to study the expanded use of enhanced birth certificates for fiscal year 2010.
“Memphis has the highest infant mortality rate of any city in this country. It is absolutely imperative that we get a better understanding of what is happening. We must work together – federal, state and local agencies – to lower our nation’s infant mortality rate.” Congressman Cohen said. “The foundation of that effort must be a complete picture of the situation. These funds and the bill I filed today will help us make an accurate diagnosis. I commend Chairman Obey for including this funding in the bill.”
The National Center for Health Statistics is the federal agency responsible for compiling vital health statistics used by federal departments like the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control to gain a snapshot of health problems in a community. The $1 million is federal funding will allow the Center to expand its research into the causes of infant mortality. Also today, Congressman Cohen filed legislation that calls for a more aggressive commitment from the federal government in fighting infant mortality.
The Cohen plan was included in H.R. 3293, the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Act that passed the House this afternoon.
H.R. 3293 gives workers the tools they need to thrive in a new clean energy economy and provides aid to veterans and those workers that were recently affected by mass layoffs. At the same time, the bill funds new and existing programs to improve education for our young people and help them succeed in college and meet the challenges of a 21st century global economy.
The bill now goes to the Senate for its consideration.
________________________
Steven Broderick
Communications Director
Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9)
1005 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Direct: 202-226-7916
Main: 202-225-3265
steven.broderick@mail.house.gov
“Memphis has the highest infant mortality rate of any city in this country. It is absolutely imperative that we get a better understanding of what is happening. We must work together – federal, state and local agencies – to lower our nation’s infant mortality rate.” Congressman Cohen said. “The foundation of that effort must be a complete picture of the situation. These funds and the bill I filed today will help us make an accurate diagnosis. I commend Chairman Obey for including this funding in the bill.”
The National Center for Health Statistics is the federal agency responsible for compiling vital health statistics used by federal departments like the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control to gain a snapshot of health problems in a community. The $1 million is federal funding will allow the Center to expand its research into the causes of infant mortality. Also today, Congressman Cohen filed legislation that calls for a more aggressive commitment from the federal government in fighting infant mortality.
The Cohen plan was included in H.R. 3293, the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Act that passed the House this afternoon.
H.R. 3293 gives workers the tools they need to thrive in a new clean energy economy and provides aid to veterans and those workers that were recently affected by mass layoffs. At the same time, the bill funds new and existing programs to improve education for our young people and help them succeed in college and meet the challenges of a 21st century global economy.
The bill now goes to the Senate for its consideration.
-30-
________________________
Steven Broderick
Communications Director
Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9)
1005 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Direct: 202-226-7916
Main: 202-225-3265
steven.broderick@mail.house.gov