S.Res. 942 – A resolution recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of National Forens…

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Updated October 6, 2026 at 5:45 AM UTC

The Senate adopted a resolution that officially recognizes the week of September 20‑26, 2026 as National Forensic Science Week. The resolution affirms the importance of forensic science in the criminal‑justice system and calls on forensic labs, elected officials, law‑enforcement, the media and the public to participate in events, tours and discussions that raise awareness of forensic work and its needs.

Key Provisions

The Senate expresses support for the goals of National Forensic Science Week.
It encourages forensic science labs to hold community events, offer tours, and engage with policymakers and media during the week.
Policymakers are urged to recognize forensic labs, declare the week by proclamation, and visit labs to learn about their needs.
The media and public are invited to attend events, take tours, and learn about forensic science operations.

Legislative Activity

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Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5299; text: CR S5271)

September 30, 2026

Floor Debate

1 member

What members said about S.Res. 942 on the floor

1 Republican

Sen. John ThuneR-SD · Sep 30, 2026

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the en bloc consideration of the following resolutions, which are at the desk: S. Res. 936, S. Res. 937, S. Res. 938, S. Res. 939, S.…

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Agreed to SenateIssued September 30, 2026

III

119th CONGRESS

2d Session

S. RES. 942

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

September 30, 2026

Mr. Crapo (for himself, Mr. Welch, and Mr. Risch) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

RESOLUTION

Recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of National Forensic Science Week.

Whereas the Senate is committed to the use of forensic science in the investigation of crimes, the prosecution and conviction of the correct perpetrators of crimes, and the exoneration of innocent individuals falsely accused of crimes in the United States;

Whereas forensic science service providers address critical questions in civil and criminal investigations and trials in the United States, including by providing scientific conclusions relating to forensic evidence;

Whereas forensic science service providers partner with—

(1)

Federal agencies to build and maintain criminal databases relating to latent prints, DNA, and other information relevant to criminal cases; and

(2)

Federal, State, and local agencies to ensure public safety;

Whereas forensic science service providers serve a vital role in the criminal justice system by providing scientific information to investigators and officers of the court; and

Whereas the week of September 20, 2026, to September 26, 2026, is recognized as National Forensic Science Week: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate—

(1)

supports the goals and ideals of National Forensic Science Week; and

(2)

recognizes that National Forensic Science Week provides a special opportunity for—

(A)

forensic science service providers—

(i)

to acknowledge the contributions of forensic scientists in the laboratories in which those individuals work;

(ii)

to organize community events to encourage a better understanding of forensic science;

(iii)

to provide tours to Federal, State, and local policymakers to assist those individuals in gaining better insight into the current capabilities of forensic science service providers and the future demands that forensic science service providers will face; and

(iv)

to contact and invite local media outlets to cover events hosted during National Forensic Science Week;

(B)

local policymakers—

(i)

to recognize, through formal commendation or resolution, the contributions of local forensic science laboratories to the communities of those policymakers;

(ii)

to formally declare the week of September 20, 2026, to September 26, 2026, to be National Forensic Science Week by proclamation;

(iii)

to visit local forensic science laboratories to gain an understanding of the capabilities and needs of those laboratories; and

(iv)

to discuss the operational needs of State and local forensic science laboratories;

(C)

individuals in the United States, including members of the media—

(i)

to attend community events sponsored by local forensic science laboratories;

(ii)

to take tours of local forensic science laboratories; and

(iii)

to ask local forensic science laboratories about the operational and legislative needs of those laboratories;

(D)

members of the media to highlight local news stories that focus on the work of local forensic science laboratories in the communities that those laboratories serve; and

(E)

public safety officers, law enforcement officers, and officers of the court—

(i)

to attend community events sponsored by local forensic science laboratories;

(ii)

to take tours of local forensic science laboratories;

(iii)

to discuss the operational needs of State and local forensic science laboratories; and

(iv)

to engage with local forensic science laboratories about working together more effectively.