Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) and Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) on Wednesday introduced the Rape Kit Backlog Progress Act, legislation aimed at tackling the pressing issue of untested DNA rape kits across the United States.
In South Carolina alone, there are currently over one thousand untested DNA rape kits, with thirteen other states facing similar challenges, and eight states failing to report their backlog status altogether. There are approximately 100,000 untested rape kits languishing on shelves in law enforcement buildings and DNA labs throughout the country. This backlog not only delays justice but also allows sexual predators to roam free, perpetuating their heinous crimes.
“Every rape kit represents a survivor seeking justice under the law,” said Rep. Nancy Mace. “We have an inherent duty to ensure the voices of these women are heard. Together, we can fight for a system which prioritizes survivors and ensures no rape kit is left untested.”
The Rape Kit Backlog Progress Act seeks to bring transparency and accountability to this critical issue. The bill’s primary objectives include improving reporting requirements for state and local governments, thereby providing greater visibility into rape kit backlogs at all levels of government.
The bill will also help end the interstate serial rapist problem. The backlog in certain states allows and incentivizes serial rapists—which most rapists are—to escape justice and commit new crimes in new states with backlogs.
The bill does not allocate new funds to the states. Instead, it conditions the use of Byrne JAG (Justice Assistance Grant) funds on compliance with the reporting requirements outlined in the bill. This approach aims to ensure that federal funding for addressing the backlog is utilized effectively and with proper oversight.
The bill also requires the Department of Justice to post the results of the report on a publicly available website to allow for complete transparency and public accountability.
“The law says that rape is a severe offense. But while rape is technically illegal, the lack of justice for survivors means it is effectively decriminalized,” said Rep. Barbara Lee. “In my home state of California alone, we have over 14,000 untested rape kits – each one representing a rapist who got off unscathed and a victim demoralized. This bill will strengthen reporting of rape kit backlogs across the nation, improve accountability, and take a meaningful step in the fight to end violence against women.”
Cosponsors of the bill include:
Rep. Barbara Lee (co-lead), Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Rep. Van Drew, Rep. Byron Donalds, Rep. Laurel Lee, Rep. Alma Adams, Ph.D., Rep. Julia Brownley, Rep. Anna G. Eshoo, Rep. Andrea Salinas, Rep. McBath, Rep. Becca Balint, Rep. Veronica Escobar, Rep. Robin L. Kelly, Rep. Susie Lee, Rep. Debbie Lesko, Rep. Jeff Jackson, Rep. Chris Smith, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, Rep. Ryan Zinke , Rep. Beth Van Duyne, Rep. Deborah Ross, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, Rep. James Moylan
Groups endorsing the bill include:
Americans For Prosperity (AFP), RAINN (Rape Abuse & Incest National Network), Joyful Heart Foundation (EndTheBacklog.Org), PACT (Protect All Children from Trafficking), R Street Institute
The bill was scheduled to receive a markup in the House Judiciary Committee Thursday morning at 10 am.
