Congresswoman Gwen Moore Applauds Passage of Crime Victim Fund Legislation

Congresswoman Gwen Moore Applauds Passage of Crime Victim Fund Legislation

Last evening, the House passed the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act (H.R. 909), which addresses recent shortages in Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) funds that have resulted in cuts to programs that help domestic violence survivors in our communities. H.R. 909 would provide additional revenues for this program by mandating that excess funds the government receives from civil monetary penalties against those who have defrauded the government under the False Claims Act fund VOCA through FY 2029.

"VOCA funding supports emergency shelters, crisis intervention, legal assistance, and other programs for vulnerable victims of violence. But for too long, states, including Wisconsin, were forced to close federal funding gaps, impacting vital service organizations in our community. I was pleased to support legislation that helps replenish VOCA funds. After enduring years of VOCA cuts, I urge the Senate to take up this legislation immediately to support victim service organizations and those they serve."

Background

The Crime Victims Fund was established in 1984 and collects fines, settlements, and penalties from criminals and redirects those funds to victim service organizations, serving 6 million victims each year. Deposits into the Fund fluctuate from year to year, including consistent declines in recent years that have, resulted in lower funding for grants to community-based organizations. In Wisconsin and nationwide, these cuts hurt victim service organizations who were forced to cut staff and limit programs.