We had such high hopes for the Innocence Protection Act. We didn't get it. We got a bill that will spend up to $800 million on DNA crime fighting -- mostly for testing old rape kits trying to solve uncharged crimes and updating computer resources.

Where's the money for DNA testing for inmates with claims of innocence?

One source of controversy in the administration's DNA spending is the omission of significant funding aimed at exonerating the innocent or preventing wrongful convictions. Such measures are key elements of a DNA bill stalled in the Senate since last fall.

Barry Scheck, a New York City lawyer who specializes in exonerating convicts through DNA evidence, said the administration's decision to bypass provisions that could free the innocent was "truly unfortunate." The Innocence Project, which Scheck co-founded, has used DNA tests to exonerate 142 convicts.