RAINN released a statement following Sen. Kamala Harris’ announcement of a plan to eliminate the rape kit backlog:

“Ending the rape kit backlog is critical to helping survivors heal and reducing crime,” said Camille Cooper, Vice President of Public Policy for RAINN. “RAINN is encouraged to see the national attention on the backlog. We hope that all candidates — from both parties — will take on this critical issue to bring justice to survivors and improve public safety, and we thank Senator Harris.”

“An important step for Members of the House of Representatives would be to pass S.820, the Debbie Smith Act, which has passed the Senate and is currently awaiting action by House leadership,” Cooper concluded.