Pryce: ‘Justice for All’ Protects Victims of Violent Crime

Legislation Aims to Eliminate Backlog of DNA Samples Taken from Crime Scenes

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-Upper Arlington) today announced the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation aimed at protecting victims of violent crime by using DNA technology to keep criminals off the street. This legislation is a top priority for Pryce and she has worked with her colleagues in the House to bring the bill to the floor.   

The Justice for All Act of 2004, which passed the House by a vote of 393-14, seeks to enhance the rights and protections of all persons who are involved in the criminal justice system.  Among the initiatives in this bill are a focus on eliminating the backlog of DNA samples collected from crime scenes and convicted offenders and improving the DNA testing capacity of federal, state, and local crime laboratories. These two initiatives will have a direct effect on crime fighting in Ohio, which has an extensive backlog of DNA samples that need to be tested. 

“This summer the Central Ohio community witnessed first hand with the arrest of an accused serial rapist the importance of linking DNA obtained at rape scenes to the DNA of felons already convicted of crimes,” said Pryce. “DNA testing gives us the best chance to close a painful chapter in the lives of women who have been the victims of rape and sexual assault.  It is also the best chance to put rapists and other violent criminals behind bars before they have a chance to repeat their crimes.”

Last year, the federal government provided $100 million to speed up the processing of untested DNA through the Department of Justice and the DNA Index System. Yesterday, the House passed legislation to increase this amount by over 75 percent to $176 million – mirroring the President’s budget request.  Rep. Pryce was a key advocate for ensuring the entire request was fulfilled. In the last month, the state of Ohio received more than $1.5 million to improve DNA testing facilities and increase testing efficiency, of which $150,542 was directed to the city of Columbus Crime Laboratory.

“Funding is critical, but it is only part of the solution. Making needed improvements to the way the system operates is also essential. This legislation will not only increase the amount of funding available for DNA analysis, but it will also lift some of the barriers that currently stand in the way of ensuring DNA technology is used effectively and efficiently.

“I pledge to continue to work with my colleagues to further identify the gaps in our system and push for and implement effective solutions.  And I call upon our partners at the state and local level to do the same.  Together, with the support of law enforcement and the citizens in our community, we can put into place a speedier and fairer justice system for victims of rape and sexual assault, always keeping in mind our ultimate goal of preventing these heinous crimes in the first place.”