Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the DNA Database Enhancement Act--legislation that will expand and improve the use of DNA analysis in criminal investigations.
As a former federal prosecutor, I recognize what a powerful tool the use of DNA profiles has become in solving crimes. In 1998, the FBI created a system of DNA profile indexes, the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), to allow participating forensic laboratories to compare DNA profiles with the goal of matching case evidence to other previously unrelated cases or to persons already convicted of specific crimes. This database contains about 1.3 million DNA samples and has yielded more than 6,000 matches in criminal investigations.
Previously, federal law required that a state collect for analysis DNA samples from persons convicted of a felony of a sexual nature. However, the collection of samples from other felons is currently dependent entirely upon state law. The DNA Database Enhancement Act would broaden this collection requirement to include all individuals convicted of violent felonies.
In order to facilitate crime solving and information sharing among local and state law enforcement agencies, my bill would also expand CODIS by permitting states to upload collected DNA samples to the national database. In Virginia, law enforcement is authorized to collect DNA samples from suspects being charged with violent crimes and other felonies. This has yielded tremendous results, with forensic officials making their 1,000th "cold hit" last year by matching a rape suspect to a 2001 sexual assault case.
Finally, this legislation will increase the effectiveness of DNA databases in crime solving by ensuring that law enforcement can compare DNA samples with CODIS. While most states already run comparisons on collected samples, some states have restrictions on how and when samples can be compared. This bill will increase the effectiveness of DNA databases in crime solving by removing restrictions that impede the comparison of DNA samples against established DNA databases. Where DNA is given voluntarily or obtained by law enforcement in a lawful manner, law enforcement should be able to compare those samples with CODIS.
Recently, the Department of Justice announced a proposal to spend more than $1 billion over the next five years on DNA analysis in criminal cases. This plan, originally introduced in the Administration's 2004 budget proposal, involves a significant expansion of the FBI's DNA database. The FBI has also announced plans to request authorization to obtain pre-conviction DNA samples from states that currently collect such samples, such as Virginia, Louisiana, and Texas. These joint proposals would dramatically improve the ability to match samples recovered at crime scenes.
With similar goals in mind, my legislation, the DNA Database Enhancement Act, will make important changes to ensure that law enforcement can fully utilize the powerful tool of DNA analysis in solving crimes.