U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) on May 11 signed on as a cosponsor of the Republican-led Fairness for Crime Victims Act of 2022, which aims to ensure that crime victims receive federal funds 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,” Sen. Scott said. “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 CVF — established in 1984 — provides crime victims with money the federal government collects through fines and penalties from convicted criminals as a result of their crimes.
Since fiscal year 2000, Congress has been accounting for funds collected by the CVF, but not disbursing the full amount. For instance, according to the bill’s text, from FY 2010 through FY 2014, the CVF collected $12 billion, but Congress disbursed only $3.6 billion (or 30 percent) to victims of crime.
“A permanent solution is necessary to ensure consistent disbursals to victims of crime who rely on these funds every year,” the bill states, noting that under budget rules, Congress reports that the money it has already spent in prior years is still in the CVF and available for victims of crime. “It is time to restore fairness to crime victims.”
If enacted, S. 4115, which was introduced on April 28 by bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) and nine original GOP cosponsors, including U.S. Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Roger Wicker (R-MS), would ensure that funds collected by the CVF are used for services to and compensation of crime victims in accordance with the Victims of Crime Act of 1984, according to the text of the bill.
The bill has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Budget Committee.