HARTFORD - U.S. Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and U.S. Reps. John Larson (D-1), Joe Courtney (D-2), Rosa DeLauro (D-3), Jim Himes (D-4), and Elizabeth Esty (D-5) today applauded $1.4 million in new federal funds for the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection to help reduce the backlog of unsubmitted or untested sexual assault kits.

Connecticut was among 20 jurisdictions receiving $41 million in aid through the federal National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative administered by the Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance.

“This federal aid will expedite the processing of critical evidence in sexual assault cases. Survivors deserve quick resolution of their cases and this federal investment will support Connecticut labs, police, prosecutors and survivor support services in their critically important work,” the delegation stated.