[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 126 (Wednesday, July 23, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S4599]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



              Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025

  Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, I want to urge my colleagues--and I know 
there is this temptation of the upcoming summer break, and folks want 
to get home to their families, but we have the opportunity and the 
obligation right now to pass this legislation for the Crime Victims 
Fund. Are we really going to miss this opportunity and this obligation 
when, in my State, a quarter of the victims of domestic violence were 
turned away from services last year?
  These are the organizations--the child advocacy centers, the domestic 
violence agencies, the rape crisis centers--that respond to the needs 
of the most vulnerable, neglected, and abused people in our States.
  We just spent last week defunding Big Bird. We spent an entire week 
defunding public television and public radio. And you mean to tell me 
that before we leave for the recess, we can't fund child advocacy 
centers, domestic violence agencies, and rape crisis centers? It is 
unacceptable. This has bipartisan support, and we should pass this 
legislation right now.
  Here is what one organization in Georgia said if we fail to pass this 
bill. They said:

       Our organization would have to lay off approximately 50% of 
     essential staff. We would not be able to support or meet the 
     critical needs of victims in the community. The lack of 
     support and services over time will negatively impact the 
     community with an increase in crime and victimization.

  Mr. President, another organization in Georgia said:

       Without our centers, states will see an increase in 
     domestic injuries, child abuse, sexual assault, and even 
     death in many cases.

  Child abuse. Sexual assault. Death.
  In the State of Georgia, where hundreds of foster children have been 
trafficked by sexual predators, these are the organizations that 
support them and women facing domestic violence.
  This is a bipartisan bill led by Senators Durbin and Murkowski. It 
should have bipartisan support on the Senate floor right now. We should 
pass it before we leave for the summer.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Michigan.