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WASHINGTON — The House voted Tuesday to expand research into and surveillance of traumatic brain injuries, which affect 1.5 million Americans every year and have come to be the signature wound of the war in Iraq.

It also moved to ensure that all newborns get adequate screening for genetic or metabolic diseases.

The brain-trauma bill, passed 392-1 by the House, closely mirrors legislation already approved by the Senate, and the Senate is expected to act soon to send it to President Bush for his signature.

The legislation authorizes National Institutes of Health programs through fiscal 2011 and directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to conduct a study into national traumatic brain injury trends and identify treatments.

It also supports Health Resources Service Administration grants to fund state projects to improve access to rehabilitation.

It commissions a study into military personnel who have incurred traumatic brain injuries while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, examining how they are being reintegrated into their communities.

Rep. Bill Pascrell, D-N.J., a chief sponsor of the bill, said up to two-thirds of those wounded in Iraq have injuries affecting the brain, and many have to turn to civilian care because their injuries are initially misdiagnosed or go undiagnosed.

Studies show that every year 1.5 million people in the United States suffer a traumatic brain injury from traffic and sports accidents, falls or violence, resulting in 50,000 deaths and 235,000 hospitalizations.

The Congressional Budget Office estimated the programs included in the bill will cost the federal government $1.5 billion in the 2008-2012 period.

The House also passed by voice vote a bill approving $45 million in 2008 to help states expand their newborn screening programs.