Charles T. Canady: “Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4640, the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act, was introduced by the gentleman from Florida (Mr.…”

“Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4640, the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act, was introduced by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. McCollum) together with the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) the ranking minority member, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot), the gentleman from New York (Mr. Weiner), and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) to address an important problem, the massive backlog of biological samples awaiting DNA analysis in the States. According to the Justice Department's Bureau of Justice Statistics, approximately 69 percent of publicly operated forensic crime labs across the country have a backlog of unprocessed samples awaiting DNA analysis. While we do not have solid numbers for the total of crime scene and victim samples awaiting analysis, some estimates run into the tens of thousands. We do know that the backlog of unprocessed samples taken from convicted offenders is nearing 300,000. Even the FBI's own crime lab in Washington has a backlog of samples awaiting DNA analysis. Our bill addresses this problem by authorizing funding to eliminate the backlog.”