Houston Republic

The United States House of Representatives has unanimously passed the Debbie Smith Act of 2023, a bill designed to reauthorize the DNA Backlog Elimination Program. Congressman Wesley Hunt (TX-38) played a key role as an original Co-Lead on this bill.

The Debbie Smith Act, also known as H.R. 1105, aims to continue the support provided by the DNA Backlog Elimination Program from FY2024 through FY2029. This program has been instrumental in assisting law enforcement and crime labs across all 50 states in analyzing untested rape and sexual assault kits. It also helps improve the timely collection of DNA evidence by law enforcement agencies and enhances the capacity of prosecutors to bring this evidence to trial.

Since its inception in 2004, the DNA Backlog Elimination Program has made a significant impact. It has directly supported the analysis of over 1.79 million DNA cases, resulting in more than 308,000 hits in the federal DNA criminal database. These hits represent an impressive 56% of all DNA matches.

The passage of the Debbie Smith Act in the House of Representatives highlights the bipartisan effort to address the issue of untested rape and sexual assault kits. It is a recognition of the importance of providing support to law enforcement and ensuring that justice is served for victims of these heinous crimes.

Congressman Wesley Hunt expressed his satisfaction with the passage of the bill, stating, "I am proud to have been an original Co-Lead on the Debbie Smith Act. This legislation is crucial in helping law enforcement agencies tackle the backlog of untested rape kits and bringing perpetrators to justice. It is a significant step forward in ensuring that survivors of sexual assault receive the justice they deserve."

The Debbie Smith Act will now move to the United States Senate for consideration. If passed, it will continue to provide vital resources to law enforcement agencies and crime labs, enabling them to expedite the testing of rape and sexual assault kits and bring closure to countless victims.

The reauthorization of the DNA Backlog Elimination Program through the Debbie Smith Act is a crucial step in the fight against sexual violence. It demonstrates the commitment of lawmakers to prioritize the rights of victims and ensure that justice is served.

To find out more, go to this link: https://hunt.house.gov/media/press-releases/debbie-smith-act-passed-us-house-representatives