Carla Walker Act
Introduced May 22, 2025 by Sen. John Cornyn
The Senate passed it. The House has to pass it before it can reach the President.
This bill authorizes the Department of Justice to award grants for pilot programs to support forensic genetic genealogical (FGG) DNA analysis at the state and local levels to generate leads in stalled criminal investigations. FGG DNA analysis means a DNA analysis of genetic samples to develop a forensic genetic genealogical profile that can be used for genealogical searching.
Specifically, this bill authorizes competitive grants to support whole genome sequencing of genetic samples that fail to get a DNA match in the Combined DNA Index System using traditional DNA analysis methods.
Additionally, the bill authorizes competitive grants to purchase equipment to conduct FGG DNA analysis and genealogical searching or to fund searches to generate investigative leads for criminal investigations or unidentified human remains.
Summary by the Congressional Research Service.
No recorded roll-call vote on this bill — it may have passed by voice vote or unanimous consent, which don't record individual votes.
- Jun 15, 2026Held at the desk.
- Jun 15, 2026Received in the House.
- Jun 12, 2026Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- Jun 10, 2026Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S2724-2727; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S2724-2726)
- Jun 10, 2026Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote.
- May 20, 2026Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 419.
- May 20, 2026Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Grassley with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
- May 14, 2026Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- May 22, 2025Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- May 22, 2025Introduced in Senate