Scott, Toomey, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Ensure Crime Victims Receive Promised Funds

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Senator Pat Toomey (R-Penn.) and nine Senate colleagues on the Fairness for Crime Victims Act to ensure that crime victims receive the funding promised to them through the Crime Victims Fund (CVF).

“The Crime Victims Fund was created to bring us one step closer to justice for those who have lived through violent crimes,” said Senator Scott. “The money rightfully belongs to those survivors — not to Congress or anyone else. I hope my colleagues will join me in righting this wrong and ensuring victims get the money set aside for them in the CVF.”

“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 Senator Toomey.  

Background:

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 Senators Scott and Toomey on the Fairness for Crime Victims Act.

Read the full bill here.

###