[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 35 (Tuesday, February 27, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E237]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVOR BILL OF RIGHTS

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                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 27, 2018

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, every six months, Amanda Nguyen begins 
her search for her rape kit.
  Despite being sexually assaulted, the burden to ensure it's not 
destroyed lies on Amanda--the victim.
  In her home state, there is a 15-year statute of limitations for 
prosecuting sexual assault crimes.
  But untested rape kits are only required to be stored for six months.
  Mr. Speaker, conflicting laws like this defy common sense.
  Because of stories like Amada's, Congress passed a bill in 2016 that 
implements, on the federal level, a Sexual Assault Survivors Bill of 
Rights.
  This important legislation grants survivors the right to have a rape 
kit preserved for a full 20 years.
  It gives survivors the results of forensic exams and notification if 
an evidence kit is destroyed.
  Two years after passage, it's clear that this legislation is needed 
now, more than ever.
  This week the House Judiciary Committee will be reviewing this 
imperative law.
  Ensuring it is implemented effectively and improves the experience of 
survivors as they fight for the justice they rightfully deserve.
  And that's just the way it is.

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