Today, Representatives Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Michael Michaud (D-ME) and Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) successfully introduced an amendment to restore full funding to the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program. The amendment to H.R. 2847, the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010, was approved on the House Floor and will increase the DNA program’s funding by $5 million, to the fully authorized $151 million for FY2010. The Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program funds DNA science to process the extensive backlog of criminal cases – particularly sexual assault cases – across the country.

“For years, I have worked to increase funding to process unsolved rape case using DNA,” said Nadler.
“DNA is one of the most powerful tools humans have ever used to fight crime, but, unfortunately, there is a tremendous backlog today in the analysis of DNA evidence. The Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program is making a difference, and we must ensure that it continues to be available and fully funded. To fail to do so would be to turn our backs on the millions of victims of crime who simply want their assailants caught, and the millions more who could become victims if we do not act.”

“Passage of this amendment means that we will finally fully fund the federal program designed to help our states process DNA evidence,” said Michaud. “Maine has a great unmet need like many of our states. Every one of the cases in this backlog represents an opportunity to remove dangerous criminals from our neighborhoods before they can strike again.”

“Every unprocessed rape kit represents a victim who has been denied justice and a predator who remains at large,” said Maloney. “I was proud to author the original Debbie Smith Act, which has been called the most important anti-rape legislation ever passed by Congress. I thank Congressmen Nadler and Michaud for their work to increase funding for the Debbie Smith Grant Program by $5 million for FY 2010, and I applaud Congressman Mollohan for his leadership in delivering $146 million earlier this year for the program. It’s been an honor working with my good friends to secure full funding for this vital anti-crime initiative.”

The Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program provides grants to states to collect and analyze DNA evidence, including evidence from perpetrators and crime scenes. In cases of rape and other violent crime, DNA evidence produces scientific accuracy that is absent from eye witness testimony and other circumstantial evidence. Today, there is still a huge backlog of cases with DNA evidence awaiting analysis, particularly of untested samples from past crime scenes.