House Passes Bipartisan Bill Backed by Rep. Sykes to Protect Funding for Crime Victims

House Passes Bipartisan Bill Backed by Rep. Sykes to Protect Funding for Crime Victims

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act, bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) to shore up funding for crime victim services and prevent disruptions to critical support programs nationwide.

The bill strengthens the Crime Victims Fund (CVF), a non-taxpayer funded source of assistance for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, human trafficking, and other crimes. The Fund was established under the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 and is financed through criminal fines and penalties rather than taxpayer dollars. In recent years, declining deposits have forced cuts to victim services across the country, putting shelters, counseling programs, and advocacy organizations at risk.

"Victims of crime shouldn't lose access to support because of budget uncertainty," said Rep. Sykes. "This bipartisan bill provides stability for the organizations survivors rely on and helps ensure services remain available when people need them most."

The legislation temporarily directs additional unobligated funds collected through the False Claims Act into the Crime Victims Fund through fiscal year 2029. This approach stabilizes funding for victim service providers without raising taxes or increasing federal spending and provides immediate relief while Congress continues work on long-term funding solutions.

CVF grants support victim compensation and assistance programs in all 50 states and U.S. territories.

The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration.