Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I commend you and the distinguished ranking member, Senator Leahy, for holding this hearing. I am very pleased to see this Committee once again address the need for improving the tools for seeking the truth in our criminal justice system. Last year, we had a very informative, lively hearing about post-conviction DNA testing. I was a cosponsor last year, and I’m proud to be a cosponsor again this year, of Senator Leahy’s bill that will ensure access to post-conviction DNA testing, the "Innocence Protection Act."

        DNA testing of biological material has played an incredible role in the pursuit of truth and justice. DNA testing has identified perpetrators or provided other important probative value to the police and prosecutors investigating a crime. But DNA testing has also further exposed a piece of the dark under-belly of our criminal justice system: the conviction and sentencing of innocent people for crimes they did not commit.

        All Americans are becoming increasingly familiar with the stories of people wrongfully convicted, sentenced and sent to prison, finally walking free, as a result of DNA testing. Nationwide, scores of innocent people have been able to walk free. And the value of this test is even more poignant for those sitting on death row. Since the reinstatement of the modern death penalty, 10 death row inmates have been exonerated as a result of DNA testing. While DNA has unlocked the prison doors for many innocent people, it has also led us to the real perpetrator.

        Mr. Chairman, our state crime labs play an important role in identifying, receiving, handling, testing and storing the biological evidence that is subject to DNA testing. In addition to DNA testing, they, of course, conduct other aspects of forensic science like hair analysis, fingerprint analysis, and ballistics identification and imaging. The federal government can provide meaningful support and resources to assist state crime labs with meeting these needs.

        So, Mr. Chairman, I am pleased that our late colleague, Senator Coverdell, championed the need for additional resources for our state crime labs. And I am pleased that my colleague from Alabama, Senator Sessions, continued with Senator Coverdell’s work. I’m glad this bill was signed into law and I hope our state crime labs get the resources they need. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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