H.Res. 716

Recognizing Gail Abarbanel and the Rape Treatment Center

Sponsor	Rep. Kennedy, Patrick J.
Committee	Judiciary
Date	November 15, 2010 (111th Congress, 2nd Session)
Staff Contact	Ja'Ron Smith

H.Res. 716 is expected to be considered on the floor of the House on Monday, November 15, 2010, under a motion to suspend the rules, requiring a two-thirds vote for passage.  The legislation was introduced by Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) on July 31, 2010.

H.Res. 716 would resolve that the House of Representatives:

• “Applauds Gail Abarbanel for founding the Rape Treatment Center and creating the Fast Track Forensics Program;
• “Commends the Rape Treatment Center for its work in providing the necessary services to victims of sexual assault;
• “Calls upon local law enforcement agencies and State legislatures to work towards eliminating the delays in processing rape kits by utilizing innovative programs such as the Fast Track Forensics Program; and
• “Urges the Congress to support programs that facilitate the timely processing of DNA evidence to assist local law enforcement agencies.”

According to the resolution’s findings, the work of Gail Abarbanel and the Rape Treatment Center helps sexual assault victims become whole again by addressing the social, emotional, and physical pain resulting from the violence of sexual assault.