Washington, D.C. – Today, a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives voted to pass legislation funding the federal government through the remainder of FY17. The deal includes an increase in funding for historic preservation, health research, student aid, and healthcare benefits for coal miners.

“This week’s bipartisan omnibus bill was a reminder of what we can accomplish when both parties work together,” said Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL). “The historic preservation funds included in the omnibus are going to have a real impact for Alabama, which is home to some of our nation’s most important civil rights sites as well as many of our historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). For students in my district, the omnibus includes investments in programs like Head Start, TRIO, and GEAR Up, and reinstates year-round Pell Grants, which is both a victory for Alabama students and the institutions where they learn. In addition, the bill bolsters our investment in the medical research conducted through NIH. For coal miners, the omnibus keeps our promise that, in exchange for their dangerous work, our government will protect our miners’ healthcare benefits. Taken as a whole, this legislation makes a strong investment in many of my district’s top priorities.”

The omnibus bill which passed on Wednesday includes $2 million in federal funding for the preservation of the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, $13 million for the preservation of historic sites associated with the civil rights movement, and $4 million for historic preservation of HBCUs. Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell played an integral role in securing the designation of the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument and funding the preservation of other historic sites in Alabama including the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail.

The omnibus bill also includes a $2 billion boost in NIH funding, a major driver of research and jobs at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

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Rep. Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) is serving her fourth term representing Alabama’s 7th Congressional district. She sits on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and was recently appointed to the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. Sewell is a Chief Deputy Whip and serves on the prestigious Steering and Policy Committee of the Democratic Caucus. She is also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, and serves as Vice Chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus, and Vice Chair of Outreach for the New Democrat Coalition.