Sexual assault is a heinous crime.  It is also a startlingly common one: last year, ninety-thousand people were raped.  We as a nation have an obligation to help the survivors of sexual assault—by providing them prompt medical attention, and by bringing their assailants to justice. 

Thanks to modern technology, we have an unparalleled tool to bring sexual predators to justice: forensic DNA analysis.  Using the DNA evidence collected in a rape kit, a police department can conclusively identify an assailant—even when the survivor cannot visually identify her attacker.  When DNA collected in rape kits matches existing DNA records, police can quickly capture habitual rapists before they strike again.  Rape kit DNA evidence is survivors’ best bet for justice.  It is also communities’ best bet for public safety.

Read the whole statement below.

KEYC: '''Heart Of New Ulm' Takes Center Stage In Washington"

Sen. Franken discusses the New Ulm "Heart of New Ulm Project" in his Senate floor speech, praising it as an example of how communities can work to become more healthy and save money.

Tuesday, U.S. Senator Al Franken (D-Minn.) delivered his second speech on the Senate floor. The topic was the urgent need for comprehensive health care reform.

As the Senate prepares to bring a health care reform bill to the floor, Sen. Franken delivered his first speech on the issue to define his priorities as he participates in this debate.

Read the full entry for the complete text of the Senator's remarks.