Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson has joined as a cosponsor of H.R. 3591, known as the Carla Walker Act, which aims to provide federal funding for Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG) DNA analysis in efforts to resolve cold cases. The bill is named after Carla Walker, who was abducted and killed in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1974. Representative Wesley Hunt of Texas introduced the bipartisan legislation.
“Sophisticated technologies, such as Forensic Genetic Genealogy, offer new DNA testing methods to solve cold cases and support law enforcement investigations. This kind of genetic genealogy identified the monster charged in the University of Idaho murders. After learning more about this advanced technology and meeting with Stacy Chapin, Ethan Chapin’s mother, I am confident that this legislation can make a real difference in solving cold cases and delivering justice for victims,” said Rep. Simpson.
Mike Simpson currently serves as the U.S. Representative for Idaho’s 2nd district and has held this position since 1999 after replacing Mike Crapo. He previously served in the Idaho House of Representatives from 1984 until 1998. Simpson was born in Burley, Idaho in 1950 and now lives in Idaho Falls. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Utah State University in 1972.
The full text of the bill is available here.