Texas Insider Report: Washington D.C. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on The Constitution will hold a hearing tomorrow on the nationwide rape kit backlog.
According to advocates and government officials there are up to 400000 untested rape kits nationwide forensic DNA evidence that could help identify perpetrators of sexual assault and put them behind bars. The hearing will provide an opportunity for Senators to hear from witnesses about what can be done to reduce this backlog and ensure justice for victims of sexual assault.
The following is a list of those scheduled to testify before the subcommittee:
- Debbie Smith sexual assault survivor and victims rights advocate
- Scott Berkowitz President and Founder Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN)
- Skylor Hearn Assistant Director Texas Department of Public Safety
- Hon. Lisa Madigan Attorney General State of Illinois
- Sarah Haacke Byrd Managing Director Joyful Heart Foundation
What: Taking Sexual Assault Seriously: The Rape Kit Backlog and Human Rights"
Where: Dirksen Senate Office Building Room 226
When: Wednesday May 20 at 2:30 p.m.
Senator John Cornyn a Republican from Texas is a member of the Senate Judiciary and Finance Committees.
