Jenniffer González promotes federal legislation to streamline the analysis of DNA samples from offenders and victims of crime including "rape kits"

Washington, DC- Congresswoman Jenniffer González Colón cosponsored the bipartisan bill to Reauthorize the Debbie Smith Law that allocates funds to states and jurisdictions to perform analysis of accumulated DNA samples of crime victims and criminals, including "rape kits".

"Senator Zoé Laboy has been fighting to accelerate the process to resolve the cases that are still pending clarification at the Institute of Forensic Sciences. The governor has sought additional resources to supply the Institute and I have held conversations with the new director to look for new resources, "said the congresswoman.

"Today, I redouble my efforts and I am part of this initiative in Congress to advocate for the approval of this bill that would inject direct resources to our island so that we are up to date with regards to DNA tests and "rape kits" once this program is reauthorized. As vice chair of the Congressional Women's Caucus, I will push for this bipartisan bill, "added González Colón.

The law signed by George W. Bush in 2004 and named after Debbie Smith who was raped and had to wait years for the DNA samples to be analyzed in order to capture her assailant. Funding the Debbie Smith Grant Program for the Accumulation of DNA testing has achieved 192,000 DNA matches in criminal cases since 2005.

When evidence is collected and processed, a DNA profile is developed and added to the CODIS, Combined DNA Index System, so that law enforcement agents can compare this profile with other state databases.

During the 2018 fiscal year, Puerto Rico was eligible to receive $569,000 in funds for the reduction of DNA accumulation.

The reauthorization of this law would allow to extend this program for another 5 years.

The bill was filed by Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and counts with bipartisan co-sponsorship from Ann Wagner (R-MO), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Jackie Speier (D-CA) , Ann Kuster (D-NH) and Jenniffer González (R-PR).

Through her legislative career in Puerto Rico and now as a Congresswoman, González Colón has promoted legislation and activities to protect the rights of victims of violence, especially sexual and domestic violence.

While she was president of the House of Representatives in Puerto Rico, she allocated funds to the then clinic "Clinica Pasos" that offered services to victims of sexual and domestic violence. Gonzalez Colón now stands out as vice chair of the Congressional Women's Caucus.