WASHINGTON — During National Crime Victims’ week, Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., with the support of nine Senate colleagues, introduced the Fairness for Crime Victims Act to ensure that crime victims receive the funding promised to them through the Crime Victims Fund.
“The money in the Crime Victims Fund belongs to those harmed by child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, and other crimes, but congressional appropriators instead have withheld this money as a budget gimmick to fund other projects. To stop this injustice, I along with nine Senate colleagues introduced the Fairness for Crime Victims Act, which would require a minimum annual distribution of CVF funds to the rightful recipients,” said Toomey.
The CVF was created to provide crime victims with the money the federal government collected through fines and penalties from convicted criminals as a result of their crimes. Taxpayer dollars do not contribute to this fund.
For years, billions from the CVF have not been allocated in an intentional attempt by Congressional appropriators to create a façade of savings. No money leaves the CVF, but it creates the appearance that this money is saved, which allows Congress to appropriate funds towards other projects instead of distributing the CVF where it belongs — to victims.
Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) joined Toomey in introducing the Fairness for Crime Victims Act.
“CHILD USA is delighted to see Senator Toomey pushing for justice and service provision for survivors of violent crime with The Fairness for Crime Victims Act. Ensuring adequate funding to assist child advocacy centers, rape crisis centers, domestic violence shelters, and compensation to survivors is essential to assist survivors in escaping and overcoming their abusers,” said CEO and Founder of CHILD USA Marci Hamilton.
Heritage Action, FreedomWorks, the R Street Group, and the Pennsylvania chapter of Child Advocacy Centers have also voiced support for the legislation.
