Maloney applauds President’s budget for addressing rape kit backlog and gun violence research

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) today released the following statement on President Obama’s FY2017 budget:

“President Obama’s 2017 budget is a serious proposal that takes on the big challenges we face in a constructive way. It would support the middle class with new investments in Pell Grants, early childhood education, and job training. It would expand tax credits for working families, increase access to child care, expand paid leave, enact comprehensive immigration reform and make strong investments in infrastructure and research.

“I am also pleased that the budget provides $10 million in funding for gun violence research. We must work to learn more about the causes of and how to prevent gun violence so that 30,000 Americans don’t die every year at the barrel of a gun. I have introduced legislation with Senator Markey to achieve this goal.

“The budget also provides significant funding to test the backlog of rape kits. The backlog has allowed rapists to roam the streets while the evidence to convict them collects dust. The budget provides $117 million in funding for the Debbie Smith Act programs I worked to create, and additional funds to provide resources to local law enforcement for backlog reduction. I hope the Congress again works to provide these desperately needed funds.

“I applaud the President for again putting forward a budget that expresses the real priorities of the American people. I am hopeful that the final budget respects the hard work that went into creating this proposal.”