Congress considers $41 million to help reduce rape kit backlog

The I-Team has an update on a story the team has been following for over a year. Lawmakers have announced a new effort to eliminate the backlog of untested rape kits in the Bay Area.

San Jose Congressman Mike Honda says about $41 million has been earmarked to help complete the testing nationwide.

There are half-a-million untested kits in the United States, including 2,000 in Alameda County.

The funding still needs final approval.

The I-Team first reported on this issue back in May of 2013. Since then, a state bill has been introduced to encourage police and crime labs to expedite the processing of rape kits.