[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 117 (Wednesday, July 16, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1483]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              THE DEBBIE SMITH REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2008

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 14, 2008

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
H.R. 5057, ``The Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act,'' legislation that I 
introduced to ensure that the nationwide backlog of DNA evidence is 
processed. I was pleased to have been joined in introducing the 
legislation by the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Judiciary 
Committee, Chairman Conyers and Ranking Member Smith, and I want to 
thank them for their support and commitment to this issue. I also want 
to commend Chairman Scott and Ranking Member Gohmert for their 
leadership in getting H.R. 5057 to the Floor today.
  I have been working on this issue since 2001 when I, along with 
former Representative Steve Horn, held a hearing in the Government 
Reform Committee where we heard from the courageous rape survivor, 
Debbie Smith. Debbie recounted her horrifying story . . . how an 
intruder broke into her home and raped her in the nearby woods. Six 
years later her assailant was charged with her rape because DNA 
processing techniques had produced a ``cold hit.''
  Inspired by Debbie's story, I resolved to do something to combat the 
epidemic of violence against women in the United States, where a sexual 
assault occurs every two minutes.
  I knew that DNA processing techniques could serve as conclusive proof 
in countless other rape cases. But I was outraged that a backlog of 
hundreds of thousands of rape kits, with DNA evidence already 
collected, were gathering dust in police stations and crime labs all 
over the country . . . all because of inadequate government funding.
  It was for Debbie, and the thousands of rape survivors like her, that 
I authored ``The Debbie Smith Act'' to provide federal funding to 
process the unconscionable backlog of DNA evidence.
  I first introduced this legislation in 2001. In 2004, it was signed 
into law as part of the ``Justice For All Act,'' comprehensive DNA 
legislation that has helped bring justice to rape survivors and their 
families across the country.
  The ``Justice For All Act'' accomplished several critical objectives 
including authorizing the necessary funding, $151,000,000 in each 
fiscal year from FY2005 through FY2009, to start processing the backlog 
of DNA evidence through the creation of the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog 
Grant Program. Since 2004, millions of dollars in funding have been 
appropriated under the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program.
  Because this groundbreaking program's authorization expires at the 
end of FY2009, H.R. 5057 extends the program through FY2014. Estimates 
place the number of unprocessed rape kits nationwide in the tens and 
possibly hundreds of thousands. Each kit represents an innocent life 
and a rapist who may commit multiple rapes before he is caught.
  DNA is remarkable evidence. It doesn't forget, it can't be confused, 
it can't be intimidated and it doesn't lie. While an eyewitness can 
easily get mixed up about height, weight, hair color--DNA never changes 
its story.
  Debbie's bravery and dedication to working with me to pass ``The 
Debbie Smith Act,'' which was no small feat, has already made a 
tremendous impact on our justice system. I also want to acknowledge 
RAINN for its steadfast support of ``The Debbie Smith Reauthorization 
Act'' and for its efforts on behalf of sexual assault victims and 
survivors.
  Tragically, only six percent of rapists will spend any time in jail. 
Congress must continue to support programs, like the Debbie Smith DNA 
Backlog Grant Program, that help to put rapists in prison and reduce 
violence against women.
  I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.




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