[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16895]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



           THE SCIENTIFIC CERTAINTY IN SENTENCING ACT OF 2000

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                    HON. F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER, JR.

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 26, 2000

  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce the ``Scientific 
Certainty in Sentencing Act of 2000.'' As the Chairman of the House 
Science Committee, I have had the opportunity to see first hand the 
amazing changes that take place each day in various fields throughout 
the science world. Advancements in DNA testing are no exception. Each 
advance brings a new degree of accuracy.
  The legislation I am introducing today will allow convicted federal 
criminals the use of DNA testing. This would be allowed for those who 
did not have the opportunity to use DNA testing during trial or those 
who can show that a new technologically advanced DNA test would provide 
new evidence in their case.
  Whether this new testing results in an exoneration, reduced sentence, 
or a reaffirmation of the conviction, we can all rest assured that the 
rule of law is upheld and that truth and justice have prevailed.
  This legislation allows the great strides that have come, and will 
come, in the field of biological science to be utilized so that we may 
ensure that we are keeping the correct people behind bars. The bill is 
not a vehicle for frivolous appeals, but rather to allow all relevant 
facts to be shown in each case, which can only benefit all parties 
involved.
  I encourage my colleagues to join me in promoting the use of the best 
technological advances in regards to convicted federal criminals.

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