Reid was identified as a potential suspect in 2004 but his DNA was not taken and he was not charged.

BBC: Met officers face action over rape inquiry failures

Another potential obstacle for Reid is moderate Democrat Ben Nelson of Nebraska, who said Sunday he cannot support the Senate bill without tighter restrictions on federal funding for abortion.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Senators Reid and McConnell are discussing a potential agreement where we can get a bipartisan bill out of the Senate, over to the House and done in a timely fashion so that we've met the December 31st deadline.

WHITEHOUSE: Statement by the President

The charity Cancer Bacup voiced concern that Dr Reid had fuelled unrealistic public expectations about the potential benefits of gene technology.

BBC: Millions for genetic technology

Police believe Reid may have been responsible for dozens of other attacks and have launched a help line for potential victims.

BBC: Serial sex offender found guilty