Since 1994, the FBI has maintained a database with samples of DNA taken from convicted criminals in order to match those samples with DNA collected at crime scenes. However, over the course of the last two decades, the DNA database has expanded to include many more people. In this episode, we explore the expansion of DNA collection and storage by law enforcement and examine a new law that will further that trend. Later in the episode, get an update on Congress’s progress in meeting their multiple September 30th deadlines. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute using credit card, debit card, PayPal, or Bitcoin Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Recommended Congressional Dish Episodes CD098: USA Freedom Act: Privatization of the Patriot Act CD128: Crisis in Puerto Rico CD147: Controlling Puerto Rico CD152: Air Traffic Control Privatization Bills Outline H.R. 510: Rapid DNA Act of 2017 Orders the FBI Director to create standards and procedures for the use of Rapid DNA machines and the DNA analyses they create. Expands the DNA samples allowed to be stored to include those prepared by any criminal justice agency using Rapid DNA machines that are approved by the FBI. H.R. 601: Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 and Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, 2017 Division A: Reinforcing Education Accountability in Development Act Official U.S. policy is now to partner with developing countries and "donors, multilateral institutions, the private sector, and nongovernmental and civil society organizations, including faith-based organizations" to promote education programs and activities to prepare individuals to be "productive members of society and the workforce" "Assistance provided under this section to support programs and activities under this subsection shall be aligned with and advance United States foreign policy and economic interests." Division B: Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, 2017 Appropriates $7.4 billion for disaster relief, as long as President Trump officially approves it. Authorizes the Small Business Administration to lend $450 million for disaster rebuilding but half of that is allowed to be for administrative expenses Appropriates and additional $7.4 billion for housing and infrastructure in disaster zones Includes a provision that says the recipients of funds "may adopt, without review or public comment, any environmental review, approval, or permit performed by a Federal agency, and such adoption shall satisfy the responsibilities of the recipient with respect to such environmental review, approval or permit." Division C: Temporary Extension of Public Debt Relief Suspends the debt ceiling until December 8, 2017. Division D: Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 Extends and cuts by .6791% the funding and provisions from the 2017 funding law until December 8, 2017. The .6791% cut will not apply to War on Terror funding Additional Reading Article: How the Graham-Cassidy bill compares with past Republican health care repeal efforts by Meridith McGraw and Maryalice Parks, ABC News, September 20, 2017. Article: GOP lawmaker urges colleagues to support short-term aviation bill by Melanie Zanona, The Hill, September 20, 2017. Commentary: Graham-Cassidy Is the Worst Obamacare Repeal Bill Yet by Thomas Huelskoetter, Fortune, September 20, 2017. Article: Hatch leads bipartisan CHIP reauthorization bill to continue children’s health coverage, Ripon Advance News Service, September 20, 2017. Transcript: Why The Government Sells Flood Insurance, NPR, September 16, 2017. Article: Congress May Need to Throw a Lifeline to Flood Insurance Program by Greg Tourial, Roll Call, September 15, 2017. Article: Congress just crossed three big things off its to-do list