[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 127 (Tuesday, July 20, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S4959]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                          Victims of Crime Act

  Mr. President, on another matter, for more than four decades, the 
Crime Victims Fund has provided critical funding for survivors, 
victims, and their families. In Texas and across the country, this 
funding provides lifesaving support and services for survivors. It 
supports shelters that provide refuge to victims of domestic violence. 
It enables critical programming at rape crisis centers and legal 
services at child advocacy centers. It provides direct compensation for 
victims and their families in the wake of serious trauma.
  I could go on and on naming the countless ways that the Crime Victims 
Fund supports vital services in our communities, but one of the most 
remarkable aspects about the Crime Victims Fund is that none of it 
comes from taxpayers. It is all covered by criminal fines and 
penalties.
  The only downside of this funding stream is that it comes with a fair 
amount of uncertainty. There is no guaranteed amount that will be 
deposited into the fund each year, and recent years have brought far 
less money than is needed by the demand.
  In fiscal year 2020, for example, the funding disbursement decreased 
by 25 percent, and crime victims service organizations have been told 
to expect even more cuts. We can't let that happen. It is time to 
address these shortfalls in the Crime Victims Fund and safeguard 
critical resources for victims and survivors.
  I have been proud to work on a bipartisan basis with Senators Graham, 
Durbin, and a long list of colleagues to restore this critical funding 
through the VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act. This 
legislation brings critical new funding sources to the Crime Victims 
Fund without asking the American taxpayer to do more.
  It makes important changes to the Crime Victims Act which will send 
more money to the States for crime victim compensation programs and 
gives States more flexibility to spend the money when and where needed.
  As I said, this legislation has broad bipartisan support. More than 
60 Senators have cosponsored the bill, and it has been endorsed by 
1,700 organizations, including 120 in Texas alone. These absolutely 
outstanding organizations and law enforcement stand behind the crucial 
commonsense reforms of the VOCA Fix Act and have called on Congress to 
pass the bill. So I hope we can deliver soon.
  This afternoon, I expect the Senate to vote on the VOCA Fix Act to 
protect the solvency of this vital funding. The Crime Victims Fund 
brings justice to survivors, victims, and families in the wake of 
serious trauma. This legislation will protect the solvency and 
longevity of that fund and reverse the devastating funding cuts we have 
seen in recent years.
  I hope we can send this legislation to the President's desk as soon 
as possible so critical programs across the country can continue to 
serve our communities.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The Senator from Iowa